Coelophysis
SEE-lo-FIE-sis
The small theropod Coelophysis is one of the earliest dinosaurs to have walked the earth, dating back 190-225m years to the Triassic period. Its name translates to ‘hollow form’ in reference to its hollow leg bones, which allow it to reach speeds of up to 25mph thanks to its light frame. Coelophysis is a carnivore and uses its sharp teeth and talons to catch its prey.
Discovery
Coelophysis was discovered in 1881 by amateur dinosaur enthusiast David Baldwin in New Mexico, although it wasn’t officially named until it was studied by expert Edward Drinker Cope in 1889. The first fossils found were of very poor quality, and it wasn’t until 1947 that Coelophysis was fully understood, when a large number of bones were found near to the original discovery site.
Palaeoecology
Coelophysis fossils have been found across the world, from North America to the South of Africa and China. It co-existed with many other dinosaurs and reptiles in dry environments, feeding on small crocodiles and insects as well as scavenging on the carcasses of other dinosaurs.
Information
- Era
- Late Triassic
- Family
- Coelophysidae
- Genus
- Coelophysis
- Height
- 1.3M
- Length
- 3M
- Weight
- 18Kg
- Diet
- Carnivore, Live Prey
- Egg batch size
- 4 - 6
