Which infraorder clade is suggested to group titanosaurs and brachiosaurids, potentially linking *Xenoposeidon*?
Answer
Titanosauriformes
The initial complexity in classifying *Xenoposeidon* involved testing its relation to two major sauropod lineages: the titanosaurs and the brachiosaurids. One key data point suggests that *Xenoposeidon* might belong to the *Titanosauriformes* clade. This grouping is significant because it unites titanosaurs with brachiosaurids, indicating that *Xenoposeidon*, through its vertebral structure, might represent a transitional form or an early divergence within this broader grouping, challenging the clean separation between the two major families previously assumed.
Related Questions
What Greek roots combine to form the genus name *Xenoposeidon*?What specific anatomical structure does the specific epithet *pronelkocamerus* reference?To which Order do both *Xenoposeidon* and *Diplodocus* belong based on their general classification?What specific term denotes the large, deep pneumatic hollows observed in *Xenoposeidon*'s vertebrae?Approximately how tall was the primary dorsal vertebra used to describe *Xenoposeidon*?What Latin term describes the temporary classification given when a genus lacks sufficient evidence for firm placement?What characteristic of the type specimen contributes most to the phylogenetic ambiguity of *Xenoposeidon*?Which infraorder clade is suggested to group titanosaurs and brachiosaurids, potentially linking *Xenoposeidon*?What modern digital technique is employed to overcome taphonomic distortion when analyzing *Xenoposeidon*'s fragile vertebrae?Which specific vertebral surfaces determine how one vertebra articulates with the next in the spine?