Coelophysis
- When: Late Triassic
(221–196 mya) - Where: North America
- What: Theropod
- Weight: 15–30 kg
- Length: 3 meters
- Diet: Carnivorous
- Discovered: 1889
Triassic
The Triassic Period: Dawn of the Dinosaurs
Welcome to the Triassic Period, the beginning of the dinosaurs’ exciting journey on Earth!
This era, from about 252 to 201 million years ago, was a time of great change and new beginnings.
It followed a huge mass extinction, and life began to bounce back in fascinating ways.
Early dinosaurs like the small, speedy Coelophysis and the long-necked Plateosaurus started to appear.
The landscape was filled with low-growing ferns and lush forests, and the first mammals were making their debut.
Imagine a world where early dinosaurs are just starting to explore their new home, setting the stage for the incredible adventures that would follow.
The Triassic Period was truly the dawn of a brand-new chapter in Earth’s amazing story!
Plateosaurus
- When: Late Triassic
(214–204 mya) - Where: Europe
- What: Sauropodomorph
- Weight: 600–4,000 kg
- Length: 4.8–10 meters
- Diet: Herbivorous
- Discovered: 1837
Herrerasaurus
- When: Late Triassic
(231–228 mya) - Where: South America
- What: Theropod
- Weight: 210–350 kg
- Length: 4–6 meters
- Diet: Carnivorous
- Discovered: 1963
Nothosaurus
- When: Middle Triassic
(240–210 mya) - Where: Europe, Asia
- What: Nothosaur
- Weight: 100–150 kg
- Length: 3–4 meters
- Diet: Carnivorous
- Discovered: 1834
Postosuchus
- When: Late Triassic
(228–201 mya) - Where: North America
- What: Archosaur
- Weight: 250–300 kg
- Length: 4–5 meters
- Diet: Carnivorous
- Discovered: 1985
Shonisaurus
- When: Late Triassic
(225 mya) - Where: North America
- What: Ichthyosaur
- Weight: 30–40 metric tons
- Length: 15 meters
- Diet: Piscivorous
- Discovered: 1976
Tanystropheus
- When: Middle to Late Triassic
(242–227 mya) - Where: Europe
- What: Archosaur marine reptile
- Weight: 60–100 kg
- Length: 6 meters
- Diet: Carnivorous or piscivorous
- Discovered: 1906
Eodromaeus
- When: Late Triassic
(231 mya) - Where: South America
- What: Theropod
- Weight: 5 kg
- Length: 1.2 meters
- Diet: Carnivorous
- Discovered: 2011
Eoraptor
- When: Late Triassic
(231–228 mya) - Where: South America
- What: Theropod
- Weight: 10 kg
- Length: 1 meter
- Diet: Omnivorous
- Discovered: 1993