Which contemporary genus shares a muzzle morphology reminiscent of *Xiongguanlong*'s long skull?
Answer
*Alioramus*.
The distinctive feature of *Xiongguanlong*'s skull morphology—its pronounced length and narrowness—draws a direct comparison in paleontological literature to another genus. Specifically, this elongated structure gives its muzzle a reminiscent appearance to that of *Alioramus*. This comparison highlights that the evolutionary trajectory toward a long rostrum was present in different branches of the tyrannosauroid tree simultaneously or sequentially, setting *Xiongguanlong* apart from the deeper-skulled tyrannosaurids which evolved later in the Cretaceous.
Related Questions
What geographical feature inspired the specific epithet *baimoensis* of *Xiongguanlong*?To which geological period do the sediments containing *Xiongguanlong* date?How does the skull morphology of *Xiongguanlong* contrast with derived Late Cretaceous tyrannosaurids?What unusual characteristic is noted regarding the premaxillary teeth of *Xiongguanlong*?In terms of evolutionary placement, what is *Xiongguanlong* recognized as within Tyrannosauroidea?What specific major jaw component was notably lacking from the holotype specimen of *Xiongguanlong*?Where does the estimated size of *Xiongguanlong* (170 to 300 kg) place it evolutionarily?What feature was noted about the vertebrae of *Xiongguanlong* compared to other basal tyrannosauroids?What does the geological setting of *Xiongguanlong* in Early Cretaceous Gansu suggest about tyrannosauroid evolution?Which contemporary genus shares a muzzle morphology reminiscent of *Xiongguanlong*'s long skull?