Dinosaurs are a diverse group of reptiles that dominated Earth’s terrestrial ecosystems for over 160 million years, from the Triassic period about 230 million years ago until the end of the Cretaceous period around 65 million years ago. These creatures ranged from the size of a chicken to the enormous Argentinosaurus, which could measure over 100 feet in length. Dinosaurs are broadly categorized into two groups based on their hip structures: the bird-hipped Ornithischians and the lizard-hipped Saurischians, which include the theropods (predominantly carnivorous dinosaurs) and sauropodomorphs (mostly herbivorous giants). The extinction of the dinosaurs, except for their avian descendants (modern birds), is commonly attributed to a catastrophic event, likely a massive asteroid impact combined with volcanic activity, leading to drastic environmental changes. Dinosaurs remain a central subject of study in paleontology, providing significant insights into prehistoric life, evolution, and the history of our planet. Their legacy continues to captivate the imagination of both the scientific community and the public, contributing extensively to our understanding of biology and the natural world.
Scientists from King’s College London discovered that Komodo dragons’ serrated teeth are enhanced with iron, particularly concentrated along the cutting edges. This feature, staining the…
The discovery of the burrowing dinosaur, Fona herzogae, from the mid-Cretaceous period reveals a complex ecosystem with dinosaurs occupying subterranean niches. This underscores the diversity…
A newly discovered Triassic crocodile relative demonstrates that pseudosuchian archosaurs inhabited global coastal areas, significantly enriching our understanding of Mesozoic marine ecosystems. Researchers have discovered…
A new dinosaur species, Comptonatus chasei, discovered on the Isle of Wight, represents a major advancement in understanding Cretaceous-era dinosaur diversity in England, with ongoing…
The newly discovered Lokiceratops rangiformis features distinctive horns and a caribou-like frill, representing a significant addition to the diversity of North American centrosaurine dinosaurs. Unearthed…
A new study refutes the theory that griffin myths were inspired by Protoceratops dinosaur fossils, revealing inconsistencies in the geographical and historical evidence and advocating…
Newly discovered Lokiceratops rangiformis is among the largest and most ornate horned dinosaur ever found, with two huge blade-like horns on the back of its…
A newly identified pterosaur species, Haliskia peterseni, was discovered in Queensland, offering new insights into the diverse group of ancient reptiles and enhancing regional scientific…
A new sauropodomorph dinosaur from the Late Triassic period has been discovered in the Mid-Zambezi Basin, Zimbabwe. A new dinosaur species, Musankwa sanyatiensis, discovered in…
Recent fossil findings in Wales have uncovered the tropical habitats of early dinosaurs and provided insights into a complex prehistoric ecosystem, marking a significant advancement…
A study by University College Cork reveals that the feathered dinosaur Psittacosaurus also had reptilian-like scaly skin, offering new insights into the evolutionary transition from…
A new study led by researchers from UCL and the University of Vigo suggests that the ability to regulate body temperature, a characteristic shared by…
Dinosaurs were as smart as reptiles but not as intelligent as monkeys, as former research suggests. An international team of paleontologists, behavioral scientists, and neurologists…
When you throw dinosaurs into the mix, sometimes you find that a rule simply isn’t. A new study led by scientists at the University of…
Research indicates that a group of five three-horned dinosaurs lived and died together. From The Land Before Time to Jurassic Park, the famous horned dinosaur…
Researchers think they have discovered critical flaws in the studies advocating for aquatic hunting behavior in Spinosaurus. Nathan Myhrvold of Intellectual Ventures, US, and his…
Fossils of pony-sized duckbill dinosaurs from Morocco have been discovered by an international team of scientists. Their analysis reveals a surprising connection between the dinosaurs…
Scientists have discovered that terrestrial ecosystems are more prone to collapse from significant animal life loss than marine ecosystems, with the impacts lasting longer on…