World of Dinosaurs/Coelophysis
Basics
editCoelophysis means "Hollow Form".
Coelophysis lived during the Triassic Period.
Anatomy
edit- Long slender skull
- Stands on elongated toes
- reduction in number of digits
- Upright stance on rear legs
- long neck and tail
Phylogeny
editCoelophysis is a theropod.
All theropods are dinosaurs.
All dinosaurs are amniotes and all dinosaurs are tetrapods.
Biomechanics
editCoelophysis jaws act much like a lever, making it more suited for a slashing motion.
Fossil Record
editCoelophysis are mainly found in New Mexico.
Ecology
editCoelophysis lived in an environment with fish, based on remains found in fossilized stomachs.
Grasses and flowers had not evolved yet.
Biogeography
editCoelophysis most likely lived in a dry, desert-like environment.