Thecodontosaurus antiquus

† Thecodontosaurus antiquus is the type species of Thecodontosaurus, known from the Triassic fissure fills of Bristol, UK. Originally described in 1836, it was one of the first dinosaurs recognized as such and helped establish early understanding of dinosaur anatomy.

Time Period

Triassic Late Mesozoic Era

Thecodontosaurus antiquus 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.