Coelophysis bauri

† The state fossil of New Mexico, Coelophysis bauri is one of the best-known early dinosaurs, with hundreds of specimens from Ghost Ranch. A lightly built Late Triassic carnivore about 3 metres long, it had hollow bones, a long snout, and sharp serrated teeth. Mass mortality sites suggest it lived and died in groups, possibly during drought events.

Diet & Feeding

Carnivore

Coelophysis bauri was a meat-eating predator. Carnivorous dinosaurs were active hunters or scavengers, equipped with sharp teeth and claws for catching and consuming prey. They occupied the top of the food chain in their ecosystems.

Time Period

Triassic Late Mesozoic Era

Coelophysis bauri 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.