Eoraptor

Eoraptor is a genus of early dinosaurs that lived during the Late Triassic period, approximately 231 million years ago. Its name, Eoraptor lunensis, means "dawn thief" and refers to its early appearance in the fossil record and its presumed carnivorous diet. Eoraptor is one of the most primitive dinosaurs known, providing valuable insights into the origins and early evolution of the dinosaur lineage.

Fossils of Eoraptor have been found primarily in the Ischigualasto Formation of Argentina. This formation is renowned for its exceptionally well-preserved Triassic vertebrate fossils. Eoraptor was a small, bipedal dinosaur, measuring about 1 meter (3.3 feet) in length and weighing around 10 kilograms (22 pounds). It possessed a slender build, a long tail for balance, and sharp claws on its feet and hands.

The diet of Eoraptor is a subject of ongoing scientific discussion. Its teeth were small and pointed, suggesting it fed on insects or small animals. However, some researchers have proposed it might have been an omnivore. The skeletal structure of Eoraptor shows a mix of primitive reptilian and distinctly dinosaurian features, making it a crucial specimen for understanding the transition from non-dinosaurian archosaurs to true dinosaurs. Its discovery has significantly contributed to our understanding of the early diversification of dinosaurs and their subsequent global dominance.