Roughly when did Xiaotingia zhengi exist based on Bathonian and Oxfordian stages?
Answer
Approximately 165 to 153 million years ago
The geological placement of *Xiaotingia zhengi* is established within a deep time frame corresponding to the transition between the Middle and early Late Jurassic periods. Specifically, the fossil evidence dates this creature to exist roughly between the Bathonian and Oxfordian stages. This temporal span translates to an existence approximately 165 to 153 million years before the present day, positioning it firmly within the Jurassic period, which is crucial context for understanding its role as a transitional fossil near the origin of birds.
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?