Alwalkeria was an early saurischian dinosaur from the Late Triassic period. The only known Alwalkeria specimen to have been discovered offers a fascinating glimpse into the early stages of dinosaur evolution.
Discovered in the Maleri Formation of India, this small, agile omnivore lived approximately 228 to 200 million years ago.
Alwalkeria Facts
- Type of Dinosaur: basal saurischian dinosaur.
- Diet: omnivore
- Continent(s) Found: Asia (India)
- Length: Approx. 1 meter (3.3 feet)
- Weight: Approx. 10 kilograms (22 pounds)
- Period: Alwalkeria lived during the Late Triassic period, approximately 228 to 200 million years ago.
What Did Alwalkeria Look Like?
Alwalkeria was a small, basal saurischian dinosaur that roamed the earth during the Late Triassic period, approximately 228 to 200 million years ago. It was around 1 meter (3.3 feet) in length and had a slender, lightweight build, with an estimated weight of around 10 kilograms (22 pounds).
Alwalkeria had a bipedal stance, allowing it to move swiftly on its two hind legs. Its long tail might have provided balance while the dinosaur was running or maneuvering.
The teeth of Alwalkeria appear not to be specialized, suggesting that it was an omnivore. It may have eaten the numerous insects that were present in the Triassic Period.
What Does The Name Alwalkeria Mean?
The genus name Alwalkeria honors the British paleontologist Alick Walker, who made significant contributions to the study of early dinosaurs and other prehistoric reptiles. (The name combines “Al” from Alick and “walkeria” from Walker).
Only one specimen of Alwalkeria has been found. It was assigned the scientific name Alwalkeria maleriensis. The specific name (the second part of a species’ two-part scientific name) references the Lower Maleri Formation, where the only known Alwalkeria specimen to date was found.
What Type Of Dinosaur Was Alwalkeria?
Paleontologists first believed Alwalkeria to be an early Theropod. Today, it is considered to be a basal saurischian dinosaur.
Saurischians are one of the two main divisions of dinosaurs, characterized by their lizard-like pelvis structure. As a basal member, Alwalkeria represents an early branch of this group, which eventually gave rise to both theropods (bipedal carnivores) and sauropodomorphs (long-necked herbivores).
You can find out more about the different types of dinosaurs on this page: Types Of Dinosaurs
This classification places Alwalkeria at an important point in dinosaur evolution, providing insights into the early development of the saurischian lineage.
Where Did Alwalkeria Live?
Alwalkeria lived in what is now the Indian subcontinent. Its remains were discovered in India’s Maleri Formation. During the Late Triassic period, the landmass that would become India was part of the supercontinent Pangaea.
When Did Alwalkeria Live?
Alwalkeria lived during the Late Triassic period, approximately 228 to 200 million years ago.
This era was a critical time in dinosaur evolution, marking the emergence and diversification of early dinosaurs.
During the Late Triassic, the supercontinent Pangaea began to break apart, leading to diverse environments and climatic conditions that furthered the evolution and distribution of early dinosaur species.
