Eodromaeus facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Quick facts for kids Eodromaeus Temporal range: Carnian ~231.4–229Ma PreЄ Є O S D C P T J K Pg N ↓

Restored skeleton
Scientific classification

Eodromaeus (meaning "dawn runner") is an extinct genus of basal theropod dinosaur from the Upper Triassic of Argentina. An almost complete articulated skeleton (the bones were still mostly connected) was found in 1996.

Eodromaeus has been cited by Paul Sereno as "close to the root of the dinosaurs". It is the earliest known definite theropod.

Description

Eodromaeus was a relatively small dinosaur, with a total length of about 1.2 metres (3.9 ft) from nose to tail, and a weight of about 5 kilograms (11 lb). The trunk was long and slender. It is unknown how fast Eodromaeus could run: about 30 kilometres per hour (19 mph) has been suggested. The animal was, like all early dinosaurs, bipedal. The forelimbs were much shorter than the hindlimbs, ending in hands with five digits. Digits IV and V were very reduced in size.

Images for kids

Skeletal diagram of Eodromaeus murphi, known remains depicted in white and light grey, unknown in dark grey.
Size comparison between Eodromaeus and a human.
Life restoration
Reconstructed skeletal mount

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Eodromaeus Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.