World of Dinosaurs/Coelophysis
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Basics[edit | edit source]
Coelophysis means "Hollow Form".
Coelophysis lived during the Triassic Period.
Anatomy[edit | edit source]
- Long slender skull
- Stands on elongated toes
- reduction in number of digits
- Upright stance on rear legs
- long neck and tail
Phylogeny[edit | edit source]
Coelophysis is a theropod.
All theropods are dinosaurs.
All dinosaurs are amniotes and all dinosaurs are tetrapods.
Biomechanics[edit | edit source]
Coelophysis jaws act much like a lever, making it more suited for a slashing motion.
Fossil Record[edit | edit source]
Coelophysis are mainly found in New Mexico.
Ecology[edit | edit source]
Coelophysis lived in an environment with fish, based on remains found in fossilized stomachs.
Grasses and flowers had not evolved yet.
Biogeography[edit | edit source]
Coelophysis most likely lived in a dry, desert-like environment.