What type of locomotion is suggested for *Xiaosaurus* based on hind limb analysis?
Answer
Bipedal or facultatively bipedal
Inferences regarding how *Xiaosaurus* moved across the Jurassic landscape are drawn from examining the proportions of its hind limbs, particularly the relationship between the femur and the lower leg bones. This analysis suggests that the creature moved using two legs, either habitually (bipedal) or having the option to walk on two legs when necessary (facultatively bipedal). This mode of locomotion was quite common among many early dinosaurs and contrasts with the fully quadrupedal posture seen in some later, heavily armored ornithischians.
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