Herrerasaurus

Herrerasaurus, or as it is scientifically known as Herrerasaurus ischigualastensis, is an extinct dinosaur species that lived during the Late Triassic period, approximately 231 million years ago. It is one of the earliest known dinosaurs and is very significant as it provides insights into the early dinosaur evolution.

Herrerasaurus was first discovered in the Ischigualasto Formation of what is now Argentina. The Ischigualasto Formation is famous for its wealth of early dinosaur fossils and is sometimes referred to as the “Valley of the Moon.”

Herrerasaurus belongs to a group of dinosaurs known as the Herrerasauridae. While it shares some dinosaur-like characteristics, it also exhibits some primitive traits that place it close to the evolutionary transition between reptiles and true dinosaurs.

Herrerasaurus was a relatively small dinosaur, with estimates suggesting it reached lengths of about 10 to 16 feet (3 to 5 meters). It likely weighed between 200 to 300 pounds (90 to 135 kilograms). It had a bipedal stance, meaning it walked on two legs and base on its teeth and other anatomical features, Herrerasaurus is believed to have been a carnivore, preying on smaller animals of its time.