Dawn of Dinosaurs: Eodromaeus Discovery

Researchers discovered a new dinosaur species, Eodromaeus, in Argentina's Andes Mountains. This pint-sized, fast-running carnivore provides insights into early dinosaur evolution, particularly the predatory lineage leading to species like Tyrannosaurus Rex. The fossils, dated to 230 million years ago, were found in a geologically significant area once part of the supercontinent Pangaea. The discovery offers a comprehensive view of early predatory dinosaurs, highlighting their small size and agility.

What is the significance of the discovery of Eodromaeus?

• It was the largest dinosaur ever found.

• It provides insights into the early evolution of dinosaurs.

• It was the first dinosaur discovered in Antarctica.

• It was a herbivore with unique eating habits.

Where were the skeletons of Eodromaeus discovered?

• In the Sahara Desert

• In the Andes Mountains, Argentina

• In the Rocky Mountains, USA

• In the Himalayas, Nepal

What is the estimated length of Eodromaeus?

• 20 feet

• 15 feet

• 4 feet

• 10 feet

What type of predator was Eodromaeus?

• An aquatic hunter

• A flying carnivore

• A bipedal predator

• A quadrupedal herbivore

How old are the Eodromaeus skeletons estimated to be?

• 230 million years old

• 300 million years old

• 150 million years old

• 100 million years old

What type of teeth did Eodromaeus have?

• Flat grinding teeth

• Recurved teeth for slicing flesh

• No teeth, only a beak

• Teeth for crushing shells

Who were the lead researchers involved in the Eodromaeus discovery?

• Stephen Jay Gould and Richard Dawkins

• Jane Goodall and Dian Fossey

• Charles Darwin and Alfred Wallace

• Paul Sereno and Ricardo Martinez

What was the geological setting of the Eodromaeus discovery site?

• A dense rainforest

• A rift valley in Pangaea

• A desert oasis

• A coastal beach

What role did volcanic ash play in the preservation of Eodromaeus skeletons?

• It destroyed the skeletons.

• It only preserved plant fossils.

• It helped preserve the skeletons.

• It had no effect on the skeletons.

What evolutionary significance does Eodromaeus hold?

• It is a precursor to theropods and birds.

• It was the last dinosaur species to evolve.

• It is unrelated to any known dinosaur lineage.

• It was the first dinosaur to fly.