Coelophysis

* Evolution 2
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* Evolution 2

***Coelophysis*** is a genus of coelophysid dinosaur in *Evolution 2*, originating in Late Triassic Africa and North America.

## Characteristics

*Coelophysis*, among the earliest dinosaurs to have walked the earth, thrived approximately 190 to 225 million years ago in what is now Africa and North America. With a length of about three meters and a weight ranging from 18 to 23 kilograms, its name translates to "*Hollow Form*" in reference to its hollow leg bones, which allow it to reach speeds of up to 25mph thanks to its light frame. It boasted a slender and agile build, embodying the characteristics of a nimble predator.

## Gameplay

### Behaviour

*Coelophysis* display a relatively calm demeanor as a dinosaur species. With the provision of ample open spaces, water sources, a limited forested area, and the company of their own pack, they can flourish within their enclosure. Despite their sociable nature, *Coelophysis* are not inclined towards pack hunting, although they prefer to live in groups. Their smaller size renders them susceptible to predatory dinosaurs, yet they can coexist harmoniously with larger herbivorous species since they lack the capacity to hunt most dinosaurs.

## Paleontology

*Coelophysis* was discovered in 1881 by amateur dinosaur enthusiast David Baldwin in New Mexico, although it wasn’t officially named until it was studied by expert Edward Drinker Cope in 1889. The first fossils found were of very poor quality, and it wasn’t until 1947 that *Coelophysis* was fully understood, when a large number of bones were found near to the original discovery site.

The name *Coelophysis* finds its roots in Greek, translating to "*Hollow Form*", a nod to the dinosaur's hollow limbs. Emerging during the Late Triassic period, a time when dinosaurs had yet to ascend to the apex of the food chain, *Coelophysis* probably relied on its agility to evade larger predators and deftly capture its prey, exemplifying the survival strategies of its era.

### Paleoecology

*Coelophysis* inhabited the Late Triassic landscape of Pangaea, characterized by arid conditions and diverse ecosystems. Its swift movement on land aided its predatory lifestyle, likely focused on insects, amphibians, and small reptiles. Its fossils have been found across the world, from North America to the South of Africa and China. *Coelophysis* shared this environment with many other dinosaurs, early crocodile relatives, and various reptiles and reptiles in dry environments, feeding on small crocodiles and insects as well as scavenging on the carcasses of other dinosaurs. Fossil evidence hints at possible social behavior.

## Behind the scenes

*Coelophysis* was one of the first dinosaurs confirmed to be in *Evolution 2*, appearing in the game's announcement trailer on June 11th, 2021. It later received a Species Field Guide on June 25th, 2021, as well as a short article exploring the species on the official Frontier forums.

## Gallery

VideosSpecies Field Guide - Coelophysis - Jurassic World Evolution 2
ImagesA small group of *Coelophysis*.
## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Vaaler, J. E. [Jens Erik]. (July 7, 2021). *Species Field Guide - Coelophysis* [Online forum post]. Frontier Forums. Retrieved August 1, 2021.