In which present-day Chinese province were the remains of Xiaotingia zhengi unearthed?
Answer
Shandong province
The fossil remains attributed to Xiaotingia zhengi were discovered in what is currently known as Shandong province in China. This geographical location is significant because this region has historically provided numerous important fossils that illustrate the rich diversity of dinosaurs inhabiting Asia near the end of the Jurassic period. Finding a nearly complete specimen from this specific area offers robust anatomical data that greatly aids in the detailed assessment of local faunal communities during that era.
Related Questions
What specific geological age characterized the Late Jurassic epoch when Xiaotingia zhengi existed?In which present-day Chinese province were the remains of Xiaotingia zhengi unearthed?Within which major clade is Xiaotingia specifically nested, placing it among the most bird-like dinosaurs?What characteristic leg bone proportion in Xiaotingia suggests an adaptation for running speed?Which family do some modern phylogenetic studies suggest Xiaotingia belongs within or directly alongside, grouping it with Anchiornis?What is the catalog designation for the holotype specimen of Xiaotingia zhengi used by scientists?How does the tail length of Xiaotingia generally compare to many other theropods of a similar evolutionary grade?Xiaotingia's proximity places it near the foundational split of which clade encompassing birds and dinosaurs more closely related to birds than Ornithomimosaurs?What complexity regarding trait acquisition does the placement of Xiaotingia suggest about features considered 'advanced' for bird origins?What does the significance of Xiaotingia lie more in, concerning its contribution to evolutionary studies?