**Segisaurus: A Small Jurassic Dinosaur**
Segisaurus, which means “Tsegi Canyon lizard,” is a type of dinosaur that lived in the Early Jurassic period, about 200 to 195 million years ago.
It was a small theropod dinosaur, similar in size to a goose. Segisaurus measured around 1 meter (3.3 feet) long and weighed between 4 and 7 kilograms. It had a bird-like appearance, with a flexible neck and strong legs.
**Appearance and Features**
Segisaurus had a few unique features that helped scientists understand its place in the dinosaur family tree:
– It had three toes on each foot.
– Its legs were powerful and longer compared to its body, helping it to run quickly.
– It had a long tail and long forearms, similar to modern birds.
– Inside its structure, Segisaurus had bones that were quite sturdy, but later studies showed it actually had hollow bones, like many theropods.
**Habitat and Diet**
This little dinosaur was discovered in Tsegi Canyon, Arizona. It is believed to have lived in an environment that looked like today’s sand dunes. Segisaurus was mostly an insect-eater but may have scavenged for meat when the opportunity arose.
**Discovery History**
The first Segisaurus fossil was found in 1933 by a Navajo Indian named Max Littlesalt. He found it while keeping livestock in the canyon. The fossil remained mostly ignored for years until scientists took another look in 2005. They realized that it had some unique features that made it important for understanding early dinosaurs.
**Classification**
Segisaurus belongs to a group called theropods, which also includes well-known dinosaurs like T. rex and modern birds. Scientists classify it within the Coelophysidae family.
**Conclusion**
Segisaurus is a significant dinosaur because it helps us learn about the early evolution of theropods and connects dinosaurs more closely to birds. Even though only one specimen has been discovered, it remains a fascinating piece of our planet’s history.