OLogy Cards > <em>Coelophysis</em>

Coelophysis

One of the earlier dinosaurs to appear on Earth was Coelophysis. It was a small, but skilled hunter that lived during the Late Triassic Period over 200 million years ago. Coelophysis was also one of the first therapods, a group of two-legged, mostly carnivorous dinosaurs that would later include hunters like the Tyrannosaurus rex. Of course, Coelophysis was much smaller than T. rex—but also probably much faster.

Stats

Story

A tall rock formation in Ghost Ranch, New Mexico.

A Large Deposit
Much of what scientists know about Coelophysis can be traced back to 1947. This is when a group of paleontologists from the American Museum of Natural History discovered hundreds of skeletons of Coelophysis at Ghost Ranch, New Mexico.

It was one of the largest dinosaur deposits ever found!

It held skeletons of Coelophysis adults, young adults, and juveniles, providing important clues about how these early dinosaurs grew. But how did they all end up in one place? Scientists believe they were quickly buried together in a flash flood. Over time, more bones provided more clues about this little dinosaur and what made it such a successful predator.

Its lower leg bones indicated a long stride, able to run up to 25 miles per hour. Its front limbs had three clawed fingers for catching and holding prey. And the skull's large eye sockets suggest that Coelophysis had large eyes—and sharp vision.

Stumper

Scientists believe Coelophysis hunted:

alone

in pairs

in large packs

Correct!

Scientists believe Coelophysis lived and hunted in large packs. One reason is the massive accumulation of Coelophysis skeletons found at Ghost Ranch, New Mexico.

Stumper

Scientists believe Coelophysis was a carnivore by studying its:

teeth

stomach remains

both of these

Correct!

Coelophysis has many small, pointed teeth. In addition, the bones of small reptiles have been found in its fossilized remains.

Fact or Fiction

Coelophysis had hollow bones.

Fact

Fiction

Fact

These hollow bones made the Coelophysis relatively light-perhaps another reason it was so fast. In fact, Coelophysis means "hollow form."

Quote

“

It's fascinating that even these very early dinosaurs had bones much like those of birds.

„

Sterling Nesbitt, Paleontologist

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