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Glite Dictionary
Coelophysis

Coelophysis

1 9.9
A small thin meat-eating dinosaur with hollow bones
  • noun
  • /ˌsiːləˈfaɪsɪs/
  • Specialized
: Coelophysis
  • The distinctive hollow bones of Coelophysis made it both lightweight and agile.

Examples

  • Many fossils of Coelophysis have been found in New Mexico.

  • Fossils of Coelophysis have been found in large groups, suggesting social behavior or mass death events.

  • Some paleontologists believe Coelophysis may have engaged in cannibalism based on fossil evidence.

  • The Coelophysis was a fast and agile dinosaur.

  • The Coelophysis had a unique skeletal structure, featuring hollow bones that contributed to its agility.

  • Scientists have discovered several Coelophysis fossils, revealing insights into their hunting strategies.

  • In the Late Triassic period, the Coelophysis was known for its slender build and carnivorous diet.

Surface Forms

Coelophysis singular
Coelophyses plural

Etymology

The word Coelophysis comes from two Greek words, koilos meaning 'hollow' and physis meaning 'nature' or 'growth', so the name points to its hollow bones. That's why Coelophysis is the name for a small, light dinosaur known for its hollow, lightweight bones.