Which specific geological formation yielded the initial fossil remains of *Xiaosaurus*?
Answer
Xiashaximiao Formation
The initial, partial skeletal remains of *Xiaosaurus* were unearthed during excavations conducted in 1979 and 1980 in the Sichuan area of China. These specific fossil finds were recovered from the Xiashaximiao Formation. This geological unit is geographically situated within the larger Sichuan Basin, an intracratonic basin in southwestern China renowned for preserving important fluvial-lacustrine (river and lake) deposits from that era. The presence of *Xiaosaurus* in this formation is key to understanding the early diversification of the Ornithischia lineage in Asia during the Middle Jurassic period.
Related Questions
What is the literal translation of the genus name *Xiaosaurus*?Which specific geological formation yielded the initial fossil remains of *Xiaosaurus*?What key anatomical feature defines the Order Ornithischia, placing *Xiaosaurus* within the 'bird-hipped' lineage?What defining characteristic related to food processing did Fabrosaurids like *Xiaosaurus* generally lack?During which specific time interval is the existence of *Xiaosaurus* generally placed?What scientific classification issue arises from the limited fossil material known for *Xiaosaurus*?Who formally named the genus *Xiaosaurus* and in what year was the genus established?How is the primary mode of locomotion described for the small ornithischian *Xiaosaurus*?What is the specific geographical feature honored by the species name *dashanpensis*?What characterizes the teeth of *Xiaosaurus*, reflecting its herbivorous diet?