They were bigger and stronger than Coelophysis and better adapted to fill-in the carnivores' eco-niche - and so they drove Coelophysis to extinction. However, by the time the Jurassic period arrived, new theropods appeared on the scene, like Dilophosaurus. They were opportunistic feeders and would eat anything that moves.Ĭoelophysis was built to be a slender, agile reptile with a long neck and tail, perfect for searching scorpions, lizards and other small animals that may be hiding under rocks, in holes, or on trees. When their numbers are on the increase, this leads to confrontations. It was their speed and agility that gave them the edge in the Triassic. This was unlike other sauropsids at the time, and a unique trait of the averesmentalians. With lightning fast reactions, they were built to survive.
They also could make noise without using much precious water. But what made them unique are special hips and ankles that allowed them to stand perfectly balanced on two hind legs. It was also among the first of the dinosaurs ever to appear on Earth.Ĭoelophysis and other early dinosaurs were light boned, fast, and they are beautifully adapted for killing. It lived in North America during the Late Triassic period (around 230 MYA). 3 In Walking with Dinosaurs: A Natural History.
