How is the diet of Xiaotingia zhengi categorized by paleontologists?
Answer
Carnivore/Insectivore
Despite its feathered, bird-like appearance, the ecological role of *Xiaotingia* is defined by its diet, which paleontologists classify primarily as Carnivore/Insectivore. Given its very small estimated body mass, less than one kilogram, its sustenance would likely have consisted of insects and other soft-bodied invertebrates readily available in its environment. Its small, relatively simple teeth were suited for gripping such small, struggling prey, perhaps including very small lizards or amphibians, rather than engaging in the tearing of large flesh typical of contemporaneous predators.
Related Questions
Roughly when did Xiaotingia zhengi exist based on Bathonian and Oxfordian stages?What was the estimated total length of the diminutive Xiaotingia?Which anatomical marker suggests Xiaotingia sat closer to the Deinonychosaurs branch?For which paleontologist was the specific epithet zhengi of Xiaotingia zhengi an honorific?What is the designation for the almost complete type specimen of Xiaotingia that includes the skull?How is the diet of Xiaotingia zhengi categorized by paleontologists?Besides the head and body, where else was Xiaotingia clearly covered in feathers?What capability might be suggested by the femur (84 mm) being longer than the humerus (71 mm) in Xiaotingia?Which groups did the initial analysis by Xu et al. suggest Xiaotingia grouped closely with, excluding traditional birds?From which geological formation in China was the specimen of Xiaotingia likely recovered?