Chindesaurus

† A genus of early dinosauriform or basal dinosaur from the Late Triassic of Arizona, USA, Chindesaurus is named after Chinde Point in Petrified Forest National Park where fossils were recovered. It represents one of the earliest North American dinosaurs, shedding light on the initial diversification of the group.

Time Period

Triassic Late Mesozoic Era

Chindesaurus 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.