Coloradosaurus

Coloradosaurus is a genus of sauropodomorph dinosaur that lived during the Late Triassic period in what is now Colorado, United States. The only known species, Coloradosaurus rapidus, was described by Edwin Harris Colbert in 1973. The genus name refers to its discovery in Colorado, and the species name "rapidus" means "swift" in Latin, reflecting its presumed agility.

Fossil remains of Coloradosaurus are limited, consisting primarily of fragmented vertebrae and limb bones. These fossils suggest a relatively small, bipedal or facultatively bipedal herbivore. It is thought to have been an early member of the sauropodomorph lineage, which would later give rise to the giant long-necked sauropods. Coloradosaurus was likely one of the smaller members of this group, perhaps reaching lengths of around 3 to 4 meters.

The discovery of Coloradosaurus in the Chinle Formation provides important insights into the diversity of herbivorous dinosaurs during the Late Triassic. It coexisted with other dinosaurs, reptiles, and early mammals, contributing to a complex ecosystem. While its exact phylogenetic position is still debated due to the fragmentary nature of the fossils, Coloradosaurus remains a significant find for understanding dinosaur evolution in North America during this crucial period.