Eoraptor: Research Database
Saurischia (Dinosauria) · Late Triassic (~231-228 MYA) · South America — Argentina (Ischigualasto-Villa union Basin)
Research Note: Eoraptor was one of the earliest known dinosaurs from the Late Triassic of Argentina — a small, bipedal saurischian that provides crucial data on the early diversification of dinosaurs. As one of the most primitive known dinosaurs, it offers insights into the origin of Dinosauria itself.
| Research Finding | Status | Grade | Year | Method | Citation | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Sereno et al. 1993: Eoraptor and the origin of Dinosauria
Sereno et al. 1993 provide the original description and comprehensive data on Eoraptor from the Late Triassic of Argentina, establishing it as one of the earliest known dinosaurs and documenting the origin of Dinosauria
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Confirmed | A | 1993 | Fossil | Sereno et al., Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B | Taxonomy |
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Sereno 1993: Eoraptor and early dinosaur evolution
Sereno 1993 provides additional data on Eoraptor and early dinosaur evolution, further contextualising its significance as one of the earliest known dinosaurs
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Confirmed | B | 1993 | Fossil | Sereno, Science | Evolution |
Active Debate: The Origin of Dinosaurs, Triassic Ecosystem Dynamics
Whether Eoraptor was more closely related to sauropodomorphs or theropods is debated. Its primitive position near the base of Dinosauria makes it crucial for understanding the early diversification of dinosaurs.
The Late Triassic extinction — and the role it played in allowing dinosaurs to become dominant — is a major question in paleontology.
What We Still Do Not Know About Eoraptor
- Precise phylogenetic position: Debated; near base of Dinosauria.
- Diet: Likely omnivorous.
- Social behavior: No direct evidence.
- Body size: Small; known.
In Depth
Ecteninion is a genus of cynodont that lived in South America during the late Triassic. Ecteninion is also the type genus of the Ecteniniidae group of cynodonts which includes genera such as Diegocanis and the huge Trucidocynodon.
Further Reading
- A new carnivorous cynodont from the Ischigualasto Formation (Late Triassic, Argentina), with comments on eucynodont phylogeny. - Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology 16(2):271-284. - R. N. Martinez, C. L. May & C. A. Forster - 1996.
