Which family groups *Xiongguanlong* with *Guanlong* and *Proceratosaurus*?
Answer
Proceratosauridae
The phylogenetic placement of *Xiongguanlong* involves grouping it with other basal forms that share specific skeletal traits. Many paleontologists utilize classifications that place *Xiongguanlong* within the family Proceratosauridae. This grouping is notable because it unites *Xiongguanlong* with other early, lightly built tyrannosauroids such as *Guanlong* and *Proceratosaurus*. While it is firmly situated within the broader Tyrannosauroidea superfamily, the designation of Proceratosauridae helps delineate this earlier, less robust branch of the tyrannosauroid evolutionary tree before the massive size and robust features became dominant characteristics.
Related Questions
When did *Xiongguanlong* inhabit the Earth compared to *T. rex*?What was the estimated total length of *Xiongguanlong* based on skeletal reconstruction?What location does the specific epithet *baimoutunensis* reference?What is the most defining characteristic of *Xiongguanlong*'s skull morphology?Which family groups *Xiongguanlong* with *Guanlong* and *Proceratosaurus*?To which geologic formation do the rock layers containing *Xiongguanlong* date?What key skeletal features of *Xiongguanlong* allow tracking of later tyrannosauroid evolution?Who were the paleontologists involved in the formal description of *Xiongguanlong* in 2010?What predatory niche did *Xiongguanlong* occupy relative to other contemporary Jurassic predators?What is the rough translation of the genus name *Xiongguanlong*?How does the cranial architecture of *Xiongguanlong* suggest a different predatory strategy than *T. rex*?