Dinosaur

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Dinosaur

Dinosaur (/daɪnəsɔːr/; from Greek: δεινός, deinós, 'terrible' and σαῦρος, saûros, 'lizard') is a term used to refer to a group of reptiles, specifically the clade Dinosauria. They first appeared during the Mesozoic Era, between 230 and 65 million years ago.

Etymology

The term "dinosaur" was coined by English paleontologist Richard Owen in 1842. It is derived from the Greek words δεινός (deinos, 'terrible') and σαῦρος (sauros, 'lizard'). The term was meant to refer to Owen's conception of the might and majesty of these ancient creatures, rather than implying that they were frightening or monstrous.

Classification

Dinosaurs are a varied group of animals from the clade and superorder Dinosauria. They are further classified into two orders, the Saurischia and the Ornithischia, based on hip structure.

Anatomy

Dinosaurs exhibit a wide array of physical features. Some dinosaurs were bipedal, while others were quadrupedal. Many dinosaurs developed elaborate skeletal modifications such as bony armor, horns or crests.

Extinction

The extinction of the dinosaurs is a major topic of interest in the field of paleontology. The consensus is that an asteroid impact was the main cause of the extinction of dinosaurs, although other theories have been proposed.

Related Terms

  • Paleontology: The study of the history of life on Earth through the examination of plant and animal fossils.
  • Fossil: The remains or impression of a prehistoric organism preserved in petrified form or as a mold or cast in rock.
  • Mesozoic Era: An interval of geological time from about 252 to 66 million years ago. It is also called the Age of Reptiles and the Age of Conifers.

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