Dinosaurs are a diverse group of reptiles that first appeared during the Triassic Period, around 243 to 233 million years ago. They dominated Earth's terrestrial ecosystems for over 160 million years before an event known as the Cretaceous-Paleogene Extinction Event led to the extinction of most dinosaur lineages, approximately 66 million years ago.
The first dinosaur to be scientifically described and named was Megalosaurus in 1824 by Rev. William Buckland. Since then, paleontology has uncovered a vast array of dinosaur fossils, leading to the discovery of over 1,000 different species. These findings have reshaped our understanding of dinosaur biology, behavior, and evolution:
The end of the Cretaceous period marked the end for non-avian dinosaurs. The most widely accepted theory for their extinction involves:
Dinosaurs left a lasting legacy through their descendants, the birds, which are now considered to be living dinosaurs. Furthermore, their fossilized remains provide invaluable insights into prehistoric life, paleontology, and the history of life on Earth.