To which major dinosaur family does *Xenoceratops* belong based on its horned, frilled head structure?
Answer
Ceratopsidae
*Xenoceratops* shares the distinctive physical characteristics of a horned and frilled head structure that links it directly to the Ceratopsidae family. This family encompasses the group recognized for these elaborate cranial features, including the more famous three-horned dinosaurs. Understanding this familial placement is fundamental to tracing the evolutionary path and diversification patterns of horned dinosaurs across the North American continent during the Late Cretaceous period, as its position within the strata helps define its evolutionary relationships relative to other members of this family.
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?