Produced by the Population Genetics and Evolution class, Furman University

The Triassic: Eoraptor
Eoraptor was a medium sized, bi-pedal, carnivorous archosaur that existed during the Triassic period. It is considered to be the earliest dinosaur (Wikipedia 2010; Dinosaur-facts 2007; UCMP 2005). . Eoraptor lacks most specialized features in the major groups of dinosaurs, but does strongly resemble organisms considered to be dinosaur ancestors (UCMP 2005). A near complete Eoraptor skeleton was discovered in the Ischigualasto formation of Argentina in 1991, and displayed most traits characteristic of dinosaur predecessors (Dinosaur-facts 2007). Eoraptor lunensis, which is the only known species of Eoraptor (Dinosaur-facts 2007), grew to about 1 m in height, possessed a thin body structure and weighed approximately 10 kg (Wikipedia 2010), which is very similar to theropods. It traveled up-right on its hind legs, and its fore limbs possessed five digits, three of which were claw like and were used for handling prey (Wikipedia 2010). Eoraptor were intelligent, fast moving carnivores, which fed on other small lizards and mammal like creatures, and is thus considered to be a miniature T-Rex (UNCP 2005).

Page by Matt Medlin
Eoraptor models. Picture From: Dinoseum.

Wikipedia. 2010. Eoraptor. Wikipedia.com. Accessed March 26, 2010.

Smith D. 2005. Eoraptor. University of California Museum of Paleontology. Accessed March 26, 2010.

Akkas J. 2007. Eoraptor. Dianosaur-facts.com. Accessed March 26, 2010.