Which specific sedimentary layer is the type species of *Xiaosaurus* firmly anchored to?
Answer
Xiashaximiao Formation
The paleontological significance of *Xiaosaurus* is intrinsically linked to the geological stratum from which its remains were extracted, which is the Xiashaximiao Formation. This formation is highly regarded in paleontology because it preserves a collection of vertebrates dating specifically to the Middle Jurassic period. Any future understanding regarding the morphology or ecology of *Xiaosaurus* is entirely dependent upon the conditions and environmental signatures recorded within the rock record of this specific formation. Furthermore, the geological makeup of this layer, characterized by fluvial-lacustrine deposits, dictates the type of ancient ecosystem the small dinosaur inhabited.
Related Questions
What does the name *Xiaosaurus* translate to, as noted in its nomenclature?Which specific sedimentary layer is the type species of *Xiaosaurus* firmly anchored to?During what geological period did *Xiaosaurus dashanpensis* live?What specific discovery location does the species epithet *dashanpensis* specifically honor?What term describes the geological makeup of the Xiashaximiao Formation where *Xiaosaurus* remains were found?Which of these associated genera found alongside *Xiaosaurus* is identified as a stegosaurian herbivore?Which two paleontologists formally named *Xiaosaurus dashanpensis* in 1983?What type of environment characterized the Sichuan Basin where *Xiaosaurus* thrived?What fundamental dinosaur group classification is *Xiaosaurus* a member of?What did the co-occurrence of *Xiaosaurus* with *Gasosaurus* help paleontologists define at the Dashanpu digs?