Approximately how many million years ago did *Xenoceratops* live based on the Last Chance Member dating?
Answer
Roughly 78–76 million years ago
The dating derived from the Last Chance Member places the existence of *Xenoceratops* firmly within the Late Cretaceous period. The rock strata associated with its remains suggest a timeframe situated approximately 78 million years ago, possibly extending slightly later to around 76 million years ago. This time frame is crucial because it represents a specific, earlier slice of the Late Cretaceous, predating the appearance of iconic contemporary assemblages, such as those frequently associated with *Tyrannosaurus rex* and *Triceratops* found in the highest, youngest levels of the Hell Creek region.
Related Questions
What geological region in Saskatchewan hosts the *Xenoceratops ornatus* fossil evidence?Which specific geological unit within the Hell Creek Formation contains *Xenoceratops* fossils?Approximately how many million years ago did *Xenoceratops* live based on the Last Chance Member dating?In what year was *Xenoceratops ornatus* officially described by Ryan Schott and Donald Brinkman?The *Xenoceratops* find in the Last Chance Member predates which famous ceratopsian associated with the uppermost Hell Creek deposits?To which major dinosaur family does *Xenoceratops* belong based on its horned, frilled head structure?In which North American country was the primary fossil evidence for *Xenoceratops ornatus* unearthed?Which Alberta formation is cited for comparison when mapping out the evolutionary spread of horned dinosaurs across the continent?What primary element do paleontologists prioritize when discussing the 'location' of a dinosaur like *Xenoceratops*?What key evolutionary implication arises from *Xenoceratops* being found in the older Last Chance Member rather than uppermost Hell Creek strata?