The Dawn Thief
Eoraptor, meaning “dawn plunderer,” was one of the earliest known dinosaurs, living approximately 231 million years ago during the Late Triassic period.
| Meaning | Dawn thief [Eo–raptor] |
| Pronunciation | EE-oh-rap-tor |
| When: | Late Triassic (about 231–228 million years ago) |
| Where: | South America (Argentina) |
| What: | Theropod (early saurischian, omnivorous) |
| Weight: | Estimated around 10 kg (22 pounds) |
| Length: | Approximately 1 meter (3.3 feet) |
| Diet: | Omnivorous (ate plants and small animals) |
| Discovered: | First described by Paul Sereno and colleagues in 1993 |
Found in what is now Argentina, Eoraptor was a small, agile predator measuring about 1.2 meters (4 feet) in length and weighing around 10-15 kilograms (22-33 pounds).
It had sharp teeth and claws, indicating it was likely a carnivore or omnivore, feeding on small animals and possibly plants.
Eoraptor had a slender body with long hind limbs, suggesting it was adapted for swift movement and agility.
Fossils of Eoraptor have provided valuable insights into the early evolution of dinosaurs and their transition from small, bipedal predators to the diverse group of animals that would dominate the Earth for millions of years.