To which geologic formation do the rock layers containing *Xiongguanlong* date?
Answer
Yixian Formation
The chronological context for *Xiongguanlong* is provided by the sedimentary rock layer in which its remains were found. The fossil evidence points to the Yixian Formation as the rock layer dating back to approximately 168 million years ago, during the Middle Jurassic period. This formation is globally renowned within paleontology because it effectively preserved a snapshot of an ancient ecosystem, which included not only dinosaurs like *Xiongguanlong* but also evidence of early birds and feathered dinosaurs. Understanding that *Xiongguanlong* is from the Yixian Formation firmly anchors its position in time long before the later Cretaceous radiation of apex predators.
Related Questions
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