Eodromaeus murphi

† Eodromaeus murphi — a Late Triassic early theropod dinosaur from Argentina's Ischigualasto Formation (~230 Ma). Small carnivore (~1.2 m long); one of the earliest dinosaurs known. Basal theropod with slender build and sharp teeth. Illuminates the ancestral body plan of all later carnivorous dino.

Time Period

Triassic Late Mesozoic Era

Eodromaeus murphi lived during the Triassic Late period of the Mesozoic Era, approximately 237,0 to 201,4 million years ago.

The first true dinosaurs appeared during the late Triassic, including early theropods like Eoraptor and Herrerasaurus. Dinosaurs were still small and not yet dominant. The period ended with the Triassic-Jurassic extinction event.