Which dinosaur family does *Xenotarsosaurus* firmly belong to?
Answer
Abelisauridae
*Xenotarsosaurus* occupies a specific position within the dinosaur phylogenetic tree, firmly placing it within the Abelisauridae family. This group of medium to large carnivorous dinosaurs achieved prominence primarily across the Southern Hemisphere landmasses throughout the Cretaceous period. Although the Abelisauridae is nested within the larger clade Carnosauria, it represents a distinct evolutionary path separate from the northern predators. The characteristics shared by this family, such as deep skulls and extremely reduced forelimbs, define its membership and contrast sharply with the dominant northern carnivorous dinosaurs of the same age.
Related Questions
What does the genus name *Xenotarsosaurus* translate to?In which geological unit were the remains defining *Xenotarsosaurus* unearthed?Which dinosaur family does *Xenotarsosaurus* firmly belong to?What evolutionary concept explains the apex predator role of Abelisaurids in isolated Gondwanan remnants?How do Abelisaurid skulls, including that of *Xenotarsosaurus*, generally compare to Tyrannosaurid skulls?Who is specifically honored by the specific epithet *bonapartei*?What unusual skeletal structure gave *Xenotarsosaurus* its descriptive genus name?What major geological event led to the geographic isolation favoring abelisaurid evolution?Compared to Tyrannosaurids, what characterizes the forelimbs of Abelisaurids like *Xenotarsosaurus*?What characteristic of the ancient Chubut environment might have influenced the specialized tarsus of *Xenotarsosaurus*?