Types of Dinosaurs
Want to know the difference between Therizinosaurus and Velociraptor? Here are descriptions of the major genuses of dinosaurs (as well as flying and swimming reptiles) that lived tens of millions of years ago, including their habitats, their favorite foods, and what set them apart from other dinos.
The 10 Weirdest Dinosaurs - A List of the Strangest Dinosaurs…
A list of the weirdest dinosaurs, pterosaurs and aquatic reptiles that ever lived.
A list of the weirdest dinosaurs, pterosaurs and aquatic reptiles that ever lived.
The 12 Main Dinosaur Groups
As much as our views about dinosaurs have changed over the past 100 years, one thing has remained constant: the major groups to which these ancient reptiles are assigned. Here are the 12 most important dinosaur families, ranging from ankylosaurs to tyrannosaurs, complete with links to additional information.
As much as our views about dinosaurs have changed over the past 100 years, one thing has remained constant: the major groups to which these ancient reptiles are assigned. Here are the 12 most important dinosaur families, ranging from ankylosaurs to tyrannosaurs, complete with links to additional information.
Dinosaurs A to Z
An A-Z list of every dinosaur that ever lived, including herbivorous and carnivorous dinosaurs, avian and aquatic reptiles, and the primitive reptiles that preceded the dinosaurs. This list is constantly being updated, so check back again if you don't see your favorite!
An A-Z list of every dinosaur that ever lived, including herbivorous and carnivorous dinosaurs, avian and aquatic reptiles, and the primitive reptiles that preceded the dinosaurs. This list is constantly being updated, so check back again if you don't see your favorite!
Titanosaurs - The Last of the Sauropods
By the end of the Cretaceous period, the only sauropods left standing were the titanosaurs--mysterious, armored plant-eaters whose partial skeletons have been found all over the world. Here's a look at how these strange creatures are classified, along with profiles of genuses ranging from Aegyptosaurus to Saltasaurus.
By the end of the Cretaceous period, the only sauropods left standing were the titanosaurs--mysterious, armored plant-eaters whose partial skeletons have been found all over the world. Here's a look at how these strange creatures are classified, along with profiles of genuses ranging from Aegyptosaurus to Saltasaurus.
The 10 Smartest Dinosaurs - A List of the Most Intelligent Dinosaurs
Pound for pound, dinosaurs were some of the dumbest creatures ever to roam the planet. However, not all raptors, tyrannosaurs, stegosaurs and hadrosaurs were equally stupid; some may even (just barely) have attained a mammalian level of intelligence. Here's a list of the 10 smartest dinosaurs, based on an analysis of their anatomy and behavioral patterns.
Pound for pound, dinosaurs were some of the dumbest creatures ever to roam the planet. However, not all raptors, tyrannosaurs, stegosaurs and hadrosaurs were equally stupid; some may even (just barely) have attained a mammalian level of intelligence. Here's a list of the 10 smartest dinosaurs, based on an analysis of their anatomy and behavioral patterns.
Ceratopsians: The Horned, Frilled Dinosaurs
Probably the oddest-looking dinosaurs that ever lived, ceratopsians--"horned faces"--included such familiar herbivores as Triceratops and Pentaceratops. Here's a look at how paleontologists define ceratopsians, along with links to a dozen representative genuses.
Probably the oddest-looking dinosaurs that ever lived, ceratopsians--"horned faces"--included such familiar herbivores as Triceratops and Pentaceratops. Here's a look at how paleontologists define ceratopsians, along with links to a dozen representative genuses.
Raptors: The Bird-Like Carnivores of the Late Cretaceous
Among the most feared predators of prehistoric times, raptors (also known as dromaeosaurs) were closely related to modern birds. Here's a look at how paleontologists classify raptors, as well as profiles of the most well-known genuses ranging from Achillobator to Utahraptor.
Among the most feared predators of prehistoric times, raptors (also known as dromaeosaurs) were closely related to modern birds. Here's a look at how paleontologists classify raptors, as well as profiles of the most well-known genuses ranging from Achillobator to Utahraptor.
The 10 Weirdest Dinosaurs
Not all dinosaurs (or archosaurs, or pterosaurs) sported the same plain-vanilla body plans. Some of these creatures stood out even by the bizarre standards of the Mesozoic Era, with strange adaptations that puzzle paleontologists to the present day. Here’s a list of the 10 weirdest reptiles ever to walk (or crawl, or fly) the earth millions of years ago.
Not all dinosaurs (or archosaurs, or pterosaurs) sported the same plain-vanilla body plans. Some of these creatures stood out even by the bizarre standards of the Mesozoic Era, with strange adaptations that puzzle paleontologists to the present day. Here’s a list of the 10 weirdest reptiles ever to walk (or crawl, or fly) the earth millions of years ago.
Stegosaurs - The Plated, Spiked Dinosaurs
Stegosaurus may be the most famous example, but at least a dozen other genuses of stegosaur lived during the Jurassic and early Cretaceous periods. Here's everything you need to know about these plated, spiked, four-footed plant-eaters.
Stegosaurus may be the most famous example, but at least a dozen other genuses of stegosaur lived during the Jurassic and early Cretaceous periods. Here's everything you need to know about these plated, spiked, four-footed plant-eaters.
Ornithopods - The Small, Herbivorous Dinosaurs
Ornithopods--small- to medium-sized, mostly bipedal herbivores--were among the most common dinosaurs, roaming the plains and woodlands of the Mesozoic Era in vast herds. Here's what we currently know about these gentle plant-eaters, along with a list of notable genuses.
Ornithopods--small- to medium-sized, mostly bipedal herbivores--were among the most common dinosaurs, roaming the plains and woodlands of the Mesozoic Era in vast herds. Here's what we currently know about these gentle plant-eaters, along with a list of notable genuses.
The 10 Deadliest Dinosaurs - The Scariest Dinosaurs that Ever Lived
Not all dinosaurs were equally dangerous--some were built for exceptional mayhem, sporting huge teeth, sharp claws, and (occasionally) even the ability to outwit their prey. Here's a list of the 10 fiercest, deadliest, and just plain most dangerous dinosaurs, pterosaurs, and aquatic reptiles. If you see one of these guys on the street--run!
Not all dinosaurs were equally dangerous--some were built for exceptional mayhem, sporting huge teeth, sharp claws, and (occasionally) even the ability to outwit their prey. Here's a list of the 10 fiercest, deadliest, and just plain most dangerous dinosaurs, pterosaurs, and aquatic reptiles. If you see one of these guys on the street--run!
Tyrannosaurs: The Most Dangerous Dinosaurs
Tyrannosaurs (technically known as "tyrannosaurids") were the killing machines of the Cretaceous period: these huge, powerful beasts were all legs, trunk and teeth, and they preyed relentlessly on smaller, herbivorous dinosaurs. Here’s a look at how paleontologists classify tyrannosaurs, as well as profiles of the most notable genuses, ranging from T. Rex to Guanlong.
Tyrannosaurs (technically known as "tyrannosaurids") were the killing machines of the Cretaceous period: these huge, powerful beasts were all legs, trunk and teeth, and they preyed relentlessly on smaller, herbivorous dinosaurs. Here’s a look at how paleontologists classify tyrannosaurs, as well as profiles of the most notable genuses, ranging from T. Rex to Guanlong.
Ornithomimids - The "Bird Mimic" Dinosaurs
Despite what you might guess from their name, ornithomimid ("bird mimic") dinosaurs didn't resemble flying birds, but landbound varieties like ostriches and emus. Here's what we know about ornithomimids, along with a list of the most notable genuses.
Despite what you might guess from their name, ornithomimid ("bird mimic") dinosaurs didn't resemble flying birds, but landbound varieties like ostriches and emus. Here's what we know about ornithomimids, along with a list of the most notable genuses.
The Big Theropods - Allosaurs, Carnosaurs, Abelisaurs, and Ceratosaurs
We know all about tyrannosaurs and raptors, but those two families comprised only a small percentage of the bipedal, carnivorous dinosaurs known as theropods. Here's a look at the larger theropods of the Mesozoic Era, including allosaurs and abelisaurs, as well as profiles of representative theropod genuses.
We know all about tyrannosaurs and raptors, but those two families comprised only a small percentage of the bipedal, carnivorous dinosaurs known as theropods. Here's a look at the larger theropods of the Mesozoic Era, including allosaurs and abelisaurs, as well as profiles of representative theropod genuses.
Crocodiles: The Ancient Cousins of the Dinosaurs
Toward the end of the Triassic period 200 million years ago, the archosaurs ("ruling lizards") started to branch off into three major groups: the dinosaurs, the pterosaurs, and the crocodiles. Here's an overview of the crocodiles that lived alongside dinosaurs, as well as profiles of genuses ranging from Bernissartia to Stomatosuchus.
Toward the end of the Triassic period 200 million years ago, the archosaurs ("ruling lizards") started to branch off into three major groups: the dinosaurs, the pterosaurs, and the crocodiles. Here's an overview of the crocodiles that lived alongside dinosaurs, as well as profiles of genuses ranging from Bernissartia to Stomatosuchus.
Before the Dinosaurs: Pelycosaurs, Archosaurs, and Therapsids
Dinosaurs weren’t the first four-legged creatures to prosper on land. The Carboniferous and Permian periods witnessed a large variety of "primitive" terrestrial reptiles--many of which had surprisingly advanced features.
Dinosaurs weren’t the first four-legged creatures to prosper on land. The Carboniferous and Permian periods witnessed a large variety of "primitive" terrestrial reptiles--many of which had surprisingly advanced features.
Plesiosaurs and Pliosaurs: The "Sea Serpents"
During the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods, the earth's oceans, lakes and rivers were filled by large, agile reptiles, called plesiosaurs and pliosaurs, that looked uncannily like sea serpents. Here's an overview of the evolution, behavior and characteristics of these fearsome creatures, along with a list of genuses ranging from Aristonectes to Woolungasaurus.
During the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods, the earth's oceans, lakes and rivers were filled by large, agile reptiles, called plesiosaurs and pliosaurs, that looked uncannily like sea serpents. Here's an overview of the evolution, behavior and characteristics of these fearsome creatures, along with a list of genuses ranging from Aristonectes to Woolungasaurus.
Pterosaurs: The Flying Reptiles
Though they weren't technically dinosaurs, pterosaurs ("winged lizards") ruled the skies of the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods at the same time as their terrestrial cousins dominated the land. Here's a look at pterosaur evolution, behavior and physiology, along with a list of genuses ranging from Anurognathus to Zhejiangopterus.
Though they weren't technically dinosaurs, pterosaurs ("winged lizards") ruled the skies of the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods at the same time as their terrestrial cousins dominated the land. Here's a look at pterosaur evolution, behavior and physiology, along with a list of genuses ranging from Anurognathus to Zhejiangopterus.
Ankylosaurs: The Armored Dinosaurs
Ankylosaurs were among the last dinosaurs standing 65 million years ago, and with good reason: these otherwise gentle herbivores were the Cretaceous equivalent of Sherman tanks, complete with armor plating, sharp spikes and heavy clubs. Here's a look at how paleontologists classify ankylosaurs, as well as profiles of genuses ranging from Acanthopholis to Tarchia.
Ankylosaurs were among the last dinosaurs standing 65 million years ago, and with good reason: these otherwise gentle herbivores were the Cretaceous equivalent of Sherman tanks, complete with armor plating, sharp spikes and heavy clubs. Here's a look at how paleontologists classify ankylosaurs, as well as profiles of genuses ranging from Acanthopholis to Tarchia.
Ichthyosaurs: The "Fish Lizards"
Although they weren't technically dinosaurs, ichthyosaurs ("fish lizards") ruled the Triassic and Jurassic oceans in much the same way tyrannosaurs ruled the continents. Here's a look at how paleontologists classify these sleek predators, along with profiles of genuses ranging from Californosaurus to Utatsusaurus.
Although they weren't technically dinosaurs, ichthyosaurs ("fish lizards") ruled the Triassic and Jurassic oceans in much the same way tyrannosaurs ruled the continents. Here's a look at how paleontologists classify these sleek predators, along with profiles of genuses ranging from Californosaurus to Utatsusaurus.
Pachycephalosaurs: The Bone-Headed Dinosaurs
Twenty million years before the dinosaurs went extinct, a strange new breed evolved: medium-sized, two-legged herbivores with unusually thick skulls. Here's a look at current thinking about pachycephalosaurs ("thick-headed lizards"), as well as links to profiles of genuses ranging from Colepiocephale (Greek for "knucklehead") to Wannanosaurus.
Twenty million years before the dinosaurs went extinct, a strange new breed evolved: medium-sized, two-legged herbivores with unusually thick skulls. Here's a look at current thinking about pachycephalosaurs ("thick-headed lizards"), as well as links to profiles of genuses ranging from Colepiocephale (Greek for "knucklehead") to Wannanosaurus.
Hadrosaurs: The Duck-Billed Dinosaurs
Among the last--and most common--dinosaurs to roam the earth, hadrosaurs were large, low-slung plant eaters with tough beaks on their snouts to dig out vegetation. Here’s a look at how paleontologists classify these duck-billed herbivores, as well as a list of the most notable genuses, ranging from Anatotitan to Telmatosaurus.
Among the last--and most common--dinosaurs to roam the earth, hadrosaurs were large, low-slung plant eaters with tough beaks on their snouts to dig out vegetation. Here’s a look at how paleontologists classify these duck-billed herbivores, as well as a list of the most notable genuses, ranging from Anatotitan to Telmatosaurus.
Sauropods: The Biggest Dinosaurs that Ever Lived
The sauropods were the true giants of the dinosaur family; some of them attained lengths of 100 feet and weights of 100 tons. Here's a brief overview of what makes a sauropod a sauropod, as well as an alphabetical list of sauropods ranging from Apatosaurus to Vulcanodon.
The sauropods were the true giants of the dinosaur family; some of them attained lengths of 100 feet and weights of 100 tons. Here's a brief overview of what makes a sauropod a sauropod, as well as an alphabetical list of sauropods ranging from Apatosaurus to Vulcanodon.
The 10 Biggest Dinosaurs
Want to know how much Argentinosaurus weighed, or the wingspan of Quetzalcoatlus? Check this list of the 10 biggest dinosaurs (and aquatic and avian reptiles) to find out.
Want to know how much Argentinosaurus weighed, or the wingspan of Quetzalcoatlus? Check this list of the 10 biggest dinosaurs (and aquatic and avian reptiles) to find out.
A Brief History of T. Rex
How do we know what we know about T. Rex? Here's a timeline of the pertinent fossil discoveries.
How do we know what we know about T. Rex? Here's a timeline of the pertinent fossil discoveries.
The Five Smallest Dinosaurs
Not all dinosaurs were as big as houses--some were as small as wiener dogs, or even smaller. Here's a list of the five most diminutive dinos (plus a couple of aquatic and avian reptiles for good measure).
Not all dinosaurs were as big as houses--some were as small as wiener dogs, or even smaller. Here's a list of the five most diminutive dinos (plus a couple of aquatic and avian reptiles for good measure).
The Five Most Misunderstood Dinosaurs
Some dinosaurs just don't get a fair break--either from paleontologists or the general public. Here's a list of five lizards whose reputations need a major makeover.
Some dinosaurs just don't get a fair break--either from paleontologists or the general public. Here's a list of five lizards whose reputations need a major makeover.