The first killers
T Small beginnings
Fossils have not yet been found to show exactly where and when dinosaurs first appeared. But fossils of other reptiles suggest theropods evolved from smaller creatures similar to Euparkeria. This reptile lived in South Africa, was only 60 cm (23 in) long, and moved mainly on all fours. Yet it had sharp teeth and a killing lifestyle – like theropods.
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he first dinosaurs appeared more than 235 million years ago. They were not especially huge, but they were already deadly hunters. One of the earliest was Herrerasaurus, which lived 231 million years ago in what is now Argentina, South America. It grew to 4 m (13 ft) in length – although almost half of this was its long, tapering tail – and it weighed up to 300 kg (660 pounds). With its long snout, a mouthful of pointy teeth, sharp-clawed hands, and the ability to run on its powerful rear legs, it already had the shape and characteristics of the killers to come. I evolved from something like that?!
