Coelophysoidea
Coelophysis bauri
- Worldwide
The Coelophysiden ( Coelophysoidea ) were theropod dinosaurs and widespread in the Upper Triassic and Lower Jurassic world.
These theropods were slender, graceful built, predatory animals. They probably fed on small lizards, fish and possibly carrion, as they had a slight physique to hunt down larger animals. They had three clawed fingers, and a movable thumb, the function of which is uncertain. They were from one to three feet long and can be relatively fast runners have been. The fossil remains of two taxa, Coelophysis and Syntarsus were found to dozens or hundreds in a deposit. It is believed, therefore, that the animals lived in larger groups.
Until recently, the Coelophysiden especially of the genus Coelophysis was accused of cannibalism. New research revealed, however, that it was at the remains of supposedly own pups to Saltoposuchiden, ancestors of the crocodiles.
The Coelophysiden differ in the construction of the maxillary bone, which have a strange kink of more primitive theropods. This strange mark had only the Spinosaurier except the Coelophysiden. Maybe this skull shape reduced the weight of the head.
Outer systematics
It is controversial whether the Coelophysiden be counted among the Ceratosauria or whether they branch off at an earlier date than this Family Tree.
The two alternatives for the systematic position of the Coelophysiden show the following cladograms:
Coelophysoidea
Neoceratosauria
Coelophysoidea
Neoceratosauria
Tetanurae
Inside systematics
- Coelophysoidea Camposaurus
- Coelophysis
- Gojirasaurus
- Liliensternus
- Megapnosaurus ( = Syntarsus )
- Podokesaurus
- Procompsognathus
- Sarcosaurus
- Segisaurus
- Nomen dubium Dolichosuchus
Cladogram after Tykoski and Rowe (2004):
Liliensternus
Procompsognathus
Segisaurus
Coelophysis
Syntarsus rhodesiensis ( Megapnosaurus rhodesiensis )
Syntarsus kayentakatae ( Megapnosaurus kayentakatae )