World of Dinosaurs/Coelophysis
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.