What was the initial taxonomic classification assigned to *Xiaotingia* by researchers?
Answer
Archaeopterygidae
Initially, researchers placed *Xiaotingia* within the family Archaeopterygidae, suggesting a close evolutionary kinship with *Archaeopteryx*. This initial classification would have positioned *Xiaotingia* as a basal member of Avialae, the group encompassing modern birds and their nearest extinct relatives. Although subsequent analyses have debated this placement, suggesting it might sit outside this family closer to the direct avian lineage, the foundational initial hypothesis assigned it to Archaeopterygidae based on shared characteristics.
Related Questions
In which geological formation were the remains of *Xiaotingia zhengi* recovered?To what epoch do the sedimentary rocks containing *Xiaotingia zhengi* date?What feature was evidenced on the forelimbs of *Xiaotingia* found at the Tiaojishan site?What specific term describes the extraordinary fossil preservation quality of the Tiaojishan Formation site?What structures are compared between *Xiaotingia* and *Archaeopteryx* to aid in resolving taxonomic placement?How does the age of *Xiaotingia* compare temporally to the *Archaeopteryx* fossils found in Solnhofen, Germany?What was the initial taxonomic classification assigned to *Xiaotingia* by researchers?Which specific location within the Tiaojishan Formation yielded fossils vital for understanding avian relatives in the Jurassic?What potential function, other than powered flight, is suggested for the pennaceous feathers of *Xiaotingia*?What environmental condition likely resulted in the exceptional preservation of soft tissues in the Tiaojishan Formation?