Table of Contents
- Introduction
- What is a Dinosaur?
- When Did Dinosaurs Live?
- What Events Led to the Extinction of Dinosaurs?
- What is the Evidence of Dinosaurs?
- Conclusion
Introduction
Dinosaurs have been a source of fascination for people of all ages for centuries. From the time of their discovery in the 19th century, they have been the subject of intense scientific study and popular culture. But how long ago did dinosaurs live? This article will explore the answer to this question and provide a comprehensive overview of the timeline of the dinosaur era.
What is a Dinosaur?
A dinosaur is a type of reptile that lived during the Mesozoic era, which lasted from about 252 million to 66 million years ago. Dinosaurs were the dominant land animals of this era and were divided into two main groups: the Saurischia and the Ornithischia. The Saurischia were theropods, which were bipedal and carnivorous, and the Ornithischia were herbivorous, four-legged animals.
When Did Dinosaurs Live?
Dinosaurs first appeared in the fossil record about 230 million years ago, during the Triassic period. This period was followed by the Jurassic period, which lasted from about 199 million to 145 million years ago. During this time, dinosaurs were the dominant land animals and their diversity increased significantly. The last period of the Mesozoic era was the Cretaceous period, which lasted from about 145 million to 66 million years ago. This was the period during which the most famous dinosaurs, such as the Tyrannosaurus Rex, lived.
What Events Led to the Extinction of Dinosaurs?
The extinction of the dinosaurs is one of the most mysterious events in Earth’s history. The most widely accepted theory is that a large asteroid or comet struck the Earth about 66 million years ago, causing a massive global catastrophe that wiped out the dinosaurs. This event is known as the Cretaceous-Tertiary (K-T) extinction event.
What is the Evidence of Dinosaurs?
The evidence of dinosaurs is found in the fossil record. Fossils are the remains of organisms that have been preserved in rocks or other materials. Fossils of dinosaurs have been found all over the world, from North America to South America, Europe, Asia, and even Antarctica. These fossils provide valuable information about the anatomy, behavior, and evolution of dinosaurs.
Conclusion
Dinosaurs lived on Earth for about 230 million years, from the Triassic period to the Cretaceous period. They were the dominant land animals of the Mesozoic era and their diversity increased significantly during this time. The extinction of the dinosaurs is thought to have been caused by a large asteroid or comet striking the Earth about 66 million years ago. The evidence of dinosaurs is found in the fossil record, which provides valuable information about the anatomy, behavior, and evolution of these ancient creatures.
Sources:
1. https://www.livescience.com/dinosaurs-when-did-they-live.html
2. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/prehistoric-world/dinosaurs/