Which superorder assignment consistently includes *Xiaotingia* within the hierarchy leading to birds?
Answer
Theropoda
In terms of higher taxonomic classification, the placement of *Xiaotingia* is quite stable at several levels when examining the gathered sources. It is confirmed to belong within the Kingdom Animalia and the Phylum Chordata. More specifically regarding its dinosaurian relatives, it is firmly placed within the Superorder Theropoda. While it is further classified as belonging to the Clade Paraves and the Family Anchiornithidae in more detailed groupings, Theropoda represents its established Superorder classification, grouping it with carnivorous dinosaurs that are the direct ancestors of birds.
Related Questions
What is the holotype specimen ID for *Xiaotingia* found in the Tiaojishan Formation?Who was the genus name *Xiaotingia* chosen to honor regarding the holotype specimen?During which geologic interval did *Xiaotingia* live, estimated around 165 to 153 million years ago?What modern bird is *Xiaotingia*'s estimated size comparable to, given its small stature?What specific type of feather impressions were noted on the tibia and metatarsus of *Xiaotingia*?How did the femur length compare to the humerus length in *Xiaotingia*'s potentially flight-related arm structure?Which superorder assignment consistently includes *Xiaotingia* within the hierarchy leading to birds?Which grouping did the initial 2011 analysis controversially position *Xiaotingia* and *Anchiornis* within?Which clade did Senter et al. (2012) suggest *Xiaotingia* was the most primitive member of in a revised analysis?What evolutionary concept describes the acquisition of bird traits independently across several closely related lineages like those in the Yanliao Biota?What cranial feature does *Xiaotingia*'s shallow snout align it morphologically closer to, rather than basal avialans like *Jeholornis*?