Tuchengzi Formation

Tuchengzi Formation Stratigraphic range: Tithonian-Berriasian, 154–139 Ma PreЄ Є O S D C P T J K Pg N
Type	Geological formation
Underlies	Zhangjiakou Formation
Overlies	Tiaojishan Formation
Thickness	870-2900 meters
Lithology
Primary	Shale
Other	Sandstone
Location
Region	Asia
Country	China

The Tuchengzi Formation (simplified Chinese: 土城子组; traditional Chinese: 土城子組; pinyin: Tǔchéngzǐ Zǔ) is a geological formation in China whose strata spans the Tithonian (Late Jurassic) to Berriasian (Early Cretaceous) ages. Dinosaur fossils, particularly footprints, have been found from the formation.

Vertebrate paleofauna

The Tuchengzi Formation was deposited during a time of transition between the Daohugou Biota and the Jehol biota. The Tuchengzi represents a poorer, more arid climate that appears to have caused much of the Daohugou fauna to become extinct. They would later be replaced by the Jehol biota when conditions became more favorable to a diversity of terrestrial animal life.

Indeterminate sauropod remains formerly attributed to the Mamenchisauridae and Brachiosauridae have been found in Liaoning, China. Theropod tracks, including those made by avialans, have been found in Liaoning, China.

Color key Taxon Reclassified taxon Taxon falsely reported as present Dubious taxon or junior synonym Ichnotaxon Ootaxon Morphotaxon		Notes Uncertain or tentative taxa are in small text; crossed out taxa are discredited.

Genus	Species	County	Member	Abundance	Notes	Images Orientognathus	Chaoyangsaurus	C. youngi	Liaoning		"Partial skull with mandible, cervicals, humerus, and scapula."	A primitive ceratopsian
Grallator	Grallator isp.	Hebei			Footprints belonging to the Grallator form taxon, made by an unknown small theropod.
Menglongipus	M. sinensis	Hebei			Footprints belonging to the Menglongipus sinensis form taxon, made by an unknown small (~65 cm long) deinonychosaur

See also

• List of dinosaur-bearing rock formations