ALL ABOUT DINOSAUR

 

What Are Dinosaurs?

Dinosaurs were a diverse group of reptiles that lived during the Mesozoic Era (about 252 to 66 million years ago). They ruled the Earth for over 160 million years before going extinct.

Types of Dinosaurs

Dinosaurs came in all shapes and sizes! They are broadly divided into two groups based on their hip structure:

1. Saurischians (Lizard-hipped dinosaurs)

   • Theropods (e.g., T. rex, Velociraptor) – mostly carnivores, walked on two legs.

   • Sauropods (e.g., Brachiosaurus, Diplodocus) – giant, long-necked herbivores.

2. Ornithischians (Bird-hipped dinosaurs)

   • Stegosaurs (e.g., Stegosaurus) – had plates along their backs.

   • Ceratopsians (e.g., Triceratops) – had horns and frills.

   • Ankylosaurs (e.g., Ankylosaurus) – had armor-like plates.

When Did They Live?

Dinosaurs thrived during the Mesozoic Era, which is divided into three periods:

1. Triassic (252–201 million years ago) – First dinosaurs appeared.

2. Jurassic (201–145 million years ago) – Dinosaurs became dominant.

3. Cretaceous (145–66 million years ago) – The peak of dinosaur diversity before extinction.

How Did Dinosaurs Go Extinct?

Most scientists believe that a massive asteroid hit Earth about 66 million years ago, leading to drastic climate changes that wiped out most dinosaurs (except for birds, which evolved from small theropods).

Fun Facts About Dinosaurs

• Some dinosaurs had feathers! Many scientists believe modern birds are actually living dinosaurs.

• The largest dinosaur was Argentinosaurus, estimated to be over 100 feet (30 meters) long.

• The smallest dinosaur was Microraptor, about the size of a crow.

• Some dinosaurs had amazing defenses—like Ankylosaurus with its clubbed tail and Triceratops with its massive horns.

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