Organism · Dinosaurs
Coelophysis bauri
Source time context (not species duration) · ≈ 252–201 Ma
Inferred life reconstruction
Coelophysis bauri
Overview
Coelophysis bauri is a dinosaur described as having a long neck and tail and a lightly built, bipedal skeleton. Its elongated outline extends from head to tail. Fossil skeletons have also been used in digital three-dimensional modeling studies.[2][1]
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Key facts
A 2024 study examined the skulls of two small individuals from Ghost Ranch. Compared with other Coelophysis skulls from the same site, they had large eye sockets, thin bones, and short, flattened triangular teeth. The authors interpreted these differences as growth-related variation and the individuals as skeletally immature.[4]
Time and place
The Coelophysis Quarry at Ghost Ranch in present-day New Mexico, USA, is studied as a locality yielding several individuals together. DigiMorph records MCZ4329 from the Chinle Formation at the Ghost Ranch Quarry. The Triassic spans roughly 250–200 million years ago.[3][4][5]
The time range describes source context, not the complete duration of this species.
Size, form and skeleton
Museums describe Coelophysis-type dinosaurs as having light skeletons, long necks and tails, and bipedal bodies. The reference length of AMNH7223 in a three-dimensional study is approximately 2.86 m. Connecting the long neck and tail with the trunk helps explain the overall outline.[2][1]
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Habitat and reproduction
Exploring a bipedal body requires attention to the neck, trunk, and tail as well as the legs. Museum accounts introduce this broad body organization. Digital skeletal models offer another way to compare how bones connect in space.[2][1]
Fossil discovery
Fossil specimen AMNH7223 served as a reference in a 2021 digital three-dimensional modeling study. Museum descriptions of body form and digital research show the same dinosaur in different ways. Preserved fossils continue to be studied with new tools.[2][1]
References
- Digital 3D models of theropods · 2021
- Natural History Museum — Coelophysis
- International Commission on Stratigraphy (2024) — Geological time chart
- Bugos·McDavid(2024). Immature skulls of the theropod dinosaur Coelophysis bauri from Ghost Ranch, New Mexico. APP 69(4):549–564.
- DigiMorph Staff(2009). Coelophysis bauri. University of Texas at Austin.
- Study — Associated skeleton of Pampadromaeus
Research questions
What comparisons can a computerized skeleton help make? Arranging bones in three dimensions allows neck, trunk, and tail connections to be viewed from several directions. Ways of examining fossil form expand from drawings on paper into digital space.[1]
Observation
Move your gaze from the small head along the long neck, trunk, and extended tail. Consider the front and rear of the body together rather than looking at the two legs in isolation.[2]
Related organisms
Pampadromaeus barberenaiDinosaursSource time context (not species duration) · ≈ 252–201 MaDifferent bodies among dinosaurs
Explore the bodies and backgrounds of Coelophysis and Pampadromaeus barberenai together. Coelophysis: Coelophysis bauri is described as a lightly built biped with a long neck and tail, forming an elongated head-to-tail outline. Pampadromaeus barberenai: a Late Triassic dinosaur known from associated bones; researchers interpreted ULBRA-PVT016 as the skeleton of one individual.