What term, meaning 'doubtful name,' was applied to Xiaosaurus due to insufficient diagnostic material?
Answer
nomen dubium
Due to the fragmentary nature of the remains recovered, the scientific placement and validity of *Xiaosaurus* were often questioned. This led some paleontologists to label the genus as a *nomen dubium*, which is a formal designation in taxonomy translating to a 'doubtful name.' This label is assigned when the diagnostic material available is deemed insufficient to definitively distinguish the species from other closely related taxa or to confidently separate it from potential juvenile forms of larger dinosaurs. The genus's validity was later provisionally supported by the identification of a unique trait, an autapomorphy, suggesting it was indeed distinct.
Related Questions
What is the primary translation of Xiaosaurus, derived from the Chinese word xiao?During which geological epoch did Xiaosaurus roam the Earth, spanning roughly 170.3 to 163.5 million years ago?How many distinct toes terminated the hind feet of the bipedal Xiaosaurus?What term, meaning 'doubtful name,' was applied to Xiaosaurus due to insufficient diagnostic material?What was the measured length of the femur, or thigh bone, of a Xiaosaurus hindlimb?What primary dietary classification defines Xiaosaurus, necessitating adaptations like a beaked mouth for cropping vegetation?What specific autapomorphy, a unique derived trait, was identified to provisionally validate the Xiaosaurus genus?In which specific geological layers within the Sichuan Basin were the fossils of Xiaosaurus found?Which two paleontologists formally assigned the moniker Xiaosaurus dashanpensis in 1983?Despite being bipedal with small forelimbs, how many distinct fingers did the front limbs of Xiaosaurus possess?