Eoraptor
Order: Saurischia · Suborder: Theropoda
Discovered in Argentina in 1991 by a team led by PaulSereno of the University of Chicago, Eoraptor is the most primitivedinosaur known -- 228 million years old. This find, coupled with the discoveries of Staurikosaurus and Herrerasaurus in South America, has led some scientists to suspect that the region isthe cradle of Dinosauria.
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Reference background: Natural History Museum, London — Dinosaurs; Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History — Dinosaurs; American Museum of Natural History — Dinosaurs & Fossils. Figures are typical published ranges; taxonomy follows the source era and modern consensus is noted where it differs. See our sources & fact-check policy.
Frequently asked questions
What does Eoraptor mean?
The name Eoraptor means “Dawn Plunderer”. It is pronounced ee-oh-RAP-tor.
When did Eoraptor live?
Eoraptor lived during the Late Triassic.
Was Eoraptor a carnivore or a herbivore?
Eoraptor was a carnivore.
How big was Eoraptor?
Eoraptor was about 36 inches (0.9 meters) long, around 20 inches (0.5 meters) tall, weighing up to 8 pounds (3.6 kg).
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