What fundamental dinosaur group classification is *Xiaosaurus* a member of?
Answer
Ornithischian
*Xiaosaurus* is categorized as an ornithischian, which signifies its membership in the group of dinosaurs possessing the 'bird-hipped' pelvic structure. This classification places it among the plant-eaters, distinguishing it from the saurischians (lizard-hipped dinosaurs). Although it is an early, more basal form of ornithischian, its presence in the Middle Jurassic helps illustrate the evolutionary crossroads of the group, which would eventually go on to dominate many Late Cretaceous ecological niches.
Related Questions
What does the name *Xiaosaurus* translate to, as noted in its nomenclature?Which specific sedimentary layer is the type species of *Xiaosaurus* firmly anchored to?During what geological period did *Xiaosaurus dashanpensis* live?What specific discovery location does the species epithet *dashanpensis* specifically honor?What term describes the geological makeup of the Xiashaximiao Formation where *Xiaosaurus* remains were found?Which of these associated genera found alongside *Xiaosaurus* is identified as a stegosaurian herbivore?Which two paleontologists formally named *Xiaosaurus dashanpensis* in 1983?What type of environment characterized the Sichuan Basin where *Xiaosaurus* thrived?What fundamental dinosaur group classification is *Xiaosaurus* a member of?What did the co-occurrence of *Xiaosaurus* with *Gasosaurus* help paleontologists define at the Dashanpu digs?