Technosaurus smalli

† Technosaurus smalli is a Late Triassic silesaurid or early ornithischian from the Dockum Formation of Texas. Though originally described as an early ornithischian, revised analysis suggests it may belong to Silesauridae, complicating its phylogenetic placement.

Diet & Feeding

Herbivore

Technosaurus smalli was a plant-eating dinosaur. Herbivores typically fed on ferns, cycads, conifers, and other vegetation available during their era. Many herbivorous dinosaurs developed specialized teeth and digestive systems for processing tough plant material.

Time Period

Triassic Late Mesozoic Era

Technosaurus smalli 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.