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dinosaur
fossil reptile
Also known as: Dinosauria
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Science & Tech
- Related Topics:
- saurischian
- ornithischian
- theropod
- Sauropodomorpha
- cerapod
Recent News
Apr. 12, 2024, 2:34 AM ET (CNN)
Mysterious symbols found near footprints shed light on ancient humans’ awareness of dinosaurs, scientists say
Top Questions
What are dinosaurs?
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dinosaur, (clade Dinosauria), the common name given to a group of reptiles, often very large, that first appeared roughly 245 million years ago (near the beginning of the Middle Triassic Epoch) and thrived worldwide for nearly 180 million years. Most died out by the end of the Cretaceous Period, about 66 million years ago, but many lines of evidence now show that one lineage evolved into birds about 155 million years ago. (Read E.O. Wilson’s Britannica essay on mass extinction.) How well do you know dinosaurs? Find out by taking our Name that Dinosaur photo quiz. The name dinosaur comes ...(100 of 18558 words)