What was the long-held, initial assumption regarding the predatory capabilities of *Gastornis* based on its beak size?
Answer
Wielded a devastating bite capable of crushing bone
Due to the sheer size and raptor-like appearance of the beak, paleontologists initially inferred that the bird possessed extreme crushing power, sufficient for tearing flesh or breaking bone.
Related Questions
During which geological era did the extinct bird *Gastornis* roam the Earth?What maximum approximate length could the enormous beak of some *Gastornis* specimens reach?What was the long-held, initial assumption regarding the predatory capabilities of *Gastornis* based on its beak size?What is the strong consensus among many researchers regarding the primary diet of *Gastornis* today?What mechanical function was the robust, deep structure of the *Gastornis* beak found to be optimized for?The morphology of the *Gastornis* beak was deemed ill-suited for the mechanical action required for what type of feeding?Besides the beak, what other organ did *Gastornis* rely on entirely for food processing, given its lack of teeth?What factor related to its large body size made a highly energetic hunting lifestyle difficult for *Gastornis* to sustain?Based on biomechanical analysis, what type of force application does the *Gastornis* beak structure primarily indicate, contrasting with a raptor's bite?The mechanical action implied by *Gastornis* processing large seeds is best compared to what type of force application?