What specific anatomical structure does the specific epithet *pronelkocamerus* reference?
Answer
The unique internal structure of its enormous vertebrae involving hollow chambers
The specific epithet *pronelkocamerus* provides a precise description linking the name directly to the fossil evidence. This term translates roughly to 'with forward-curving hollow chambers.' This naming choice is highly significant because it immediately directs paleontologists to the most diagnostic feature of the type specimen: the internal architecture of the vertebrae. These vertebrae display specialized internal modifications, specifically large pneumatic hollows, which challenged prior assumptions about how large sauropods constructed their massive bones for weight reduction and structural integrity.
Related Questions
What Greek roots combine to form the genus name *Xenoposeidon*?What specific anatomical structure does the specific epithet *pronelkocamerus* reference?To which Order do both *Xenoposeidon* and *Diplodocus* belong based on their general classification?What specific term denotes the large, deep pneumatic hollows observed in *Xenoposeidon*'s vertebrae?Approximately how tall was the primary dorsal vertebra used to describe *Xenoposeidon*?What Latin term describes the temporary classification given when a genus lacks sufficient evidence for firm placement?What characteristic of the type specimen contributes most to the phylogenetic ambiguity of *Xenoposeidon*?Which infraorder clade is suggested to group titanosaurs and brachiosaurids, potentially linking *Xenoposeidon*?What modern digital technique is employed to overcome taphonomic distortion when analyzing *Xenoposeidon*'s fragile vertebrae?Which specific vertebral surfaces determine how one vertebra articulates with the next in the spine?