Uncovering the Secrets of the Efraasia

Efraasia
The Efraasia is a late Triassic dinosaur found in the Stubensandstein Member of the Lowenstein Formation in Germany. The first Efraasia fossil was found in a quarry by Albert Burrer, who also found Procompsognathus in the same area. Paleontologists are still uncovering more information about Efraasia. Because of this, Efraasia has been reclassified several times in the last 100 years!

Some Quick Facts about the Efraasia

Uncovering the Secrets of the Efraasia
NameEfraasia (named for paleontologist Eberhard Fraas)
Type of dinosaurSauropodomorpha (Sauropods)
TerritoryGrasslands and forests of Europe
Size6.5 to 23 feet long, about 6.5-7 feet tall
ColorDark
Interesting CharacteristicsLong neck with a small head. Long tail and strong hind legs. Forelimbs were shorter, with long fingers and thumbs for grasping
DietPlants
Major ThreatsPredators, natural disasters, and habitat loss

The Efraasia was first discovered in 1902 by Albert Burrer while excavating a quarry in Germany (Albert also discovered a Sellosaurus). Burrer uncovered several species of dinosaurs until the quarry closed in 1914. He handed over the fossil evidence to paleontologist Eberhard Fraas at the State Museum of Natural History Stuttgart.

Burrer’s findings brought new light to the dinosaurs of the Norian age of the Late Triassic Period, which fueled exciting advancements in paleontology.

What Are Other Names for the Efraasia?

The Efraasia has gone through several names and taxon shifts since it was first discovered in 1902. From 1907-1908, Efraasia was called Teratosaurus minor by Friedrich von Huene. It has also been confused with Thecodontosaurus diagnosticus and Sellosaurus fraasi.

In 1973, Peter Galton finally named the Efraasia in honor of paleontologist E. Fraas. The name change also saw Efraasia reclassified from a theropod (von Huene, 1907). Efraasia is currently classified as a prosauropod (early sauropod). Early sauropods are also called basal sauropodomorphs.

When Galton first named the Efraasia, the names Efraasia Galton and Efraasia diagnostica were used. By 1985, Galton and Bakker suggested the name be used as a synonym for the Sellosaurus. In 2003, Adam Yates published a study on the fossils from the Upper Triassic of Germany called The Species Taxonomy of the Sauropodomorph Dinosaurs. Through his research, he finally settled on the current name, Efraasia minor.

How Many Legs did the Efraasia Walk On?

Paleontologists still have many questions about the anatomy of the Efraasia, even today. Efraasia had longer, more developed hind limbs similar to other bipedal dinosaurs, and they most likely walked on two legs. But the forelimbs were also strong enough to hold weight so that Efraasia could have also walked on four legs.

However, the ulna and radius bones of an Efraasia suggest that their hands were in a fixed position with palms facing each other. This meant that the Efraasia’s hands were most likely used to reach into trees and grasp food. To walk on their forelimbs, an Efraasia’s ulna and radius would need to turn, so their palms could face downward. Since they couldn’t rotate their arms downward, Efraasia probably walked on two legs.

Where Could You Find an Efraasia?

Efraasia was found in the forests of what is now Germany. Since they lived in Germany around 210 million years ago, they lived in the same period and area as the Plateosaurus! Since Plateosauruses were known to live near other herbivorous dinosaurs, the two species likely lived and grazed near each other.

Efraasia fossils have also been found in France. This area was filled with grasslands and prehistoric forests during the late Triassic Period. Ancient trees were bigger than they are today, so Efraasia needed their long neck and grasping hands to pull leaves from trees.

Did the Efraasia Live Alone?

No, Efraasia did not live alone. Even though they were first thought to be carnivores that traveled in pairs, by 1965, scientists realized the presence of rocks swallowed to help digest plants (gastroliths) meant that Efraasia was herbivorous. Like many herbivores, they traveled in pairs and small packs. But, there is not enough fossil evidence to show that they traveled in herds.

While the late Triassic Period dinosaurs weren’t nearly as enormous as the Jurassic dinosaurs, Efraasia were pretty big for their time. Even so, they were at risk of being hunted by carnivores if they lived alone. This was especially true when feeding on grassland vegetation when they were in the open and vulnerable to ambush.

Even though we’ve learned a lot about the Efraasia in the past 100 years since it was first discovered, there is still so much to learn about this fascinating dinosaur. Paleontologists continue to study Efraasia, using technological advances to learn even more about Efraasia and their relatives. As research continues, we’re sure to discover more interesting facts about the fantastic Efraasia!

Vianna Arenas

Vianna Arenas is an enthusiastic seeker of knowledge, nature lover, and history buff. When she's not writing about dinosaurs, you can find her camping and hiking with her family.

Recent Posts