Wikijunior:Dinosaurs/Herrerasaurus

A drawing of Herrerasaurus.

Herrerasaurus (pronounced huh-Rare-uh-Sore-us) was one the earliest dinosaurs to have walked on the face of the Earth. It lived in what is now Argentina and was a meat-eater, also known as a carnivore.

What did they look like?

Herrerasaurus was likely up to 10 to 20 feet (3 to 6 meters) in length, walked on its hind legs with short thighs and rather long feet. It was very quick on its feet and had strong claws for grabbing prey. Herrerasaurus weighed at least 400 pounds and at most 750 pounds.

What did they eat?

Dinosaurs

Tyrannosaurus Rex Stegosaurus Allosaurus Apatosaurus Pterosaurs Triceratops Plesiosaur Ichthyosaur Pachycephalosaurus Velociraptor Herrerasaurus Ankylosaurus Iguanodon Brontosaurus

Herrerasaurus was a meat-eater. It probably fed on small and medium-sized animals. However, it most likely did not hunt for itself, instead it probably ate meat off dead animals. It has been suggested it fed on rhynchosaurs, small prehistoric lizards, and aetosaurs, a kind of mix between an armadillo and a pig.

When did they live?

Herrerasaurus lived in the Late Triassic period, about 230 million years ago. Their favourite habitat was in woodlands, amongst the ferns, conifers and mosses.

Where did they live?

Herrerasaurus once lived in Argentina on the South American continent. Found in the Ischigualasto Formation of Argentina, along with the bones of several other early dinosaurs.

How were they discovered?

The first Herrerasaurus fossil was discovered in 1958 by a local man named Don Victorino Herrera. But, it wasn't until 1988 that the first skull was discovered.

What do we need to learn?

• The colour of skin
• Was Herrerasaurus just a hunter, scavenger, or a mix of both?