Why is eoraptor called dawn thief?

Answer 1

Eoraptor is often referred to as the "dawn thief" due to its significance as one of the earliest known dinosaurs, living during the Late Triassic period, around 231 million years ago. Its name, derived from Greek, translates to "early thief," reflecting its position in the evolutionary timeline as a primitive theropod that may have exhibited early adaptations for bipedalism and carnivory. This nickname highlights its role in the transition from earlier reptiles to more advanced dinosaurs, marking an important evolutionary phase.