What is the Greek meaning of the specific epithet proneneukos in Xenoposeidon proneneukos?
Answer
Forward-leaning
The specific epithet used for this dinosaur, *proneneukos*, is derived from Greek and explicitly translates to 'forward-leaning.' This name was chosen by the describers, Taylor and Naish, because it directly references the most anatomically striking feature preserved in the fossil specimen—the orientation of the neural arch, which slopes forward at a significant angle relative to the vertebral column. This feature was crucial in distinguishing *Xenoposeidon* from other known sauropods, encapsulating the unique posture hinted at by this single, partial posterior back vertebra.
Related Questions
What is the Greek meaning of the specific epithet proneneukos in Xenoposeidon proneneukos?Which genus did Richard Lydekker initially assign specimen BMNH R2095 to in 1893?At what approximate angle does the neural arch of the Xenoposeidon vertebra slope anteriorly?Which family did the 2018 study by Taylor place Xenoposeidon proneneukos as a basal member of?If Xenoposeidon shared the build of Diplodocus, what was the corresponding estimated length?What shape is the neural canal described as being at its front end in the Xenoposeidon vertebra?Which sauropod analogue was used to estimate the heavier potential weight for Xenoposeidon?What ecological role is suggested for Xenoposeidon regarding the Cretaceous vegetation structure?Approximately how many million years older is Xenoposeidon than the next recognized Rebbachisaurid, Histriasaurus?Which group of carnivores, characterized by crocodile-like snouts, were potential predators in the Xenoposeidon's Wessex Formation environment?