Dinosaur Facts
The word dinosaur comes from the Ancient Greek word, Deinos and Sauros. Deinos meaning terrible and Sauros meaning lizard/reptile. Scientist believe that dinosaurs first lived on earth during the time of the supercontinent, Pangea, around 245 million years ago.
The last of the dinosaurs became extinct around 65 million years ago, when an asteroid (scientists believe) hit the earth, causing climate change and disrupting food supplies.
What Did Dinosaurs Look Like?
Dinosaurs were reptiles that ranged in sizes, from small bird-like creatures such as the Microraptor, to large four legged herbivores such as the 85 ft long Dreadnoughtus.
Some were carnivores, others were omnivores, but most dinosaurs were herbivores. The carnivores had long sharp teeth and claws, and powerful jaws. Herbivores stayed in herds for protection, but some species had horns or armor to help fight off the carnivores.
Dinosaurs walked on land, swam in the oceans or flew in the air. Some dinosaurs even had feathers, but didn't necessarily fly (like penguins!).
Dinosaurs Today
Although dinosaurs went extinct millions of years ago, their descendants are still around today. They include: turtles, snakes, lizard and birds.