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Triassic Period

Triassic Dinosaurs

Is the Eoraptor lunensis also one of the most primitive dinosaurs?

Yes, as of this writing the Eoraptor lunensis (“dawn hunter”) fossils discovered in the Ischigualasto formation in Argentina, South America, are thought to be those of one of the most primitive dinosaurs known (the other is the Herrerasaurus ischigualastensis described above). This is because the Eoraptor fossils are a mix of primitive and specialized characteristics—a blend of features expected for the “first” dinosaur. The Eoraptor had a three-fingered hand, which connected them to the theropod dinosaurs. But Eoraptor fossils lack the specialized features that would place this reptile in one specific major group of dinosaurs.



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