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Description
Within groups of Auroran sarcophtalmia, there is a large variety of different derivations and specializations of the standard four-parted outer jaw setup, especially so in groups without ossified jaws. This may range from the tentacle or trunk-like manipulators of the arachnopsids to the weight-distributing pads of the galeocraniatids. More so than with any other kind of Auroran kinite however, there is the largest variety of different jaw specializations within the nrgwenyids. While most other kinites still use their outer jaws for feeding in one way or another, it is only in nrgwenyids that we see an adaptation of the upper jaw into a display structure. These structures range from the bold and colorful to wattle-like extensions and even to inflatable structures.
In the case of the rostroceras depicted above, it is a rigid structure that grows into a tight spiral with age. The size of this structure not only signals fighting success and fitness to to possible rivals as well as potential mates.

© by me

Description
Within groups of Auroran sarcophtalmia, there is a large variety of different derivations and specializations of the standard four-parted outer jaw setup, especially so in groups without ossified jaws. This may range from the tentacle or trunk-like manipulators of the arachnopsids to the weight-distributing pads of the galeocraniatids. More so than with any other kind of Auroran kinite however, there is the largest variety of different jaw specializations within the nrgwenyids. While most other kinites still use their outer jaws for feeding in one way or another, it is only in nrgwenyids that we see an adaptation of the upper jaw into a display structure. These structures range from the bold and colorful to wattle-like extensions and even to inflatable structures.
In the case of the rostroceras depicted above, it is a rigid structure that grows into a tight spiral with age. The size of this structure not only signals fighting success and fitness to to possible rivals as well as potential mates.

© by me