Which specific tough structures required the immense grinding power available in the Parasaurolophus jaw?
Answer
Woody stems of cycads or the tough needles of conifers.
The immense mechanical power generated by the dental batteries was specifically beneficial when processing materials known for their toughness and woody composition. This includes dealing with the fibrous, woody stems found in cycads and the rigid, tough needles associated with conifers. Successfully breaking down these structurally resilient components was essential for extracting the necessary energy, contrasting sharply with the digestive challenges posed by softer food sources.
#Videos
parasaurolophus - YouTube
Related Questions
To which dinosaur group does Parasaurolophus, known for its crest, belong?What tough, primitive plants formed the likely staple diet of Parasaurolophus?What function was the characteristic duck-like beak of Parasaurolophus primarily designed for?What specialized dental structure allowed Parasaurolophus to break down fibrous materials?Why was the diet of Parasaurolophus less focused on flowering plants (angiosperms)?What phrase best describes the overall processing method implied by Parasaurolophus's grinding structure?What potential indirect relation might the large cranial crest of Parasaurolophus have to feeding?What necessity dictated the high volume of intake for Parasaurolophus, a large dinosaur?Which specific tough structures required the immense grinding power available in the Parasaurolophus jaw?How might Parasaurolophus be considered an ecosystem engineer in its environment?