Coelophysis was one of the earliest known dinosaurs, living around 210 million years ago during the Late Triassic period. Its name means hollow form, referring to the hollow bones that made it both lightweight and incredibly fast. Fossils of Coelophysis have been discovered in abundance at Ghost Ranch, New Mexico, making it one of the best-known early theropods.

This slender predator measured up to 3 meters (10 feet) in length but weighed only about 15–20 kilograms (30–45 lbs). With its elongated tail, sharp teeth, and keen vision, Coelophysis was built for speed and agility—perfectly adapted to chasing small reptiles, insects, and early mammals across the floodplains of Pangaea.

There’s evidence suggesting possible pack behavior, making it one of the earliest dinosaurs to be considered a social hunter. Interestingly, early interpretations believed Coelophysis practiced cannibalism, but more recent research suggests those claims were misinterpreted.

Its lightweight frame, grasping hands, and sharp claws show it was an efficient and opportunistic predator—perhaps even filling a role similar to that of a jackal or small wildcat in today’s ecosystems.