Dinosaurs: Most Popular Articles
These articles are the most popular over the last month.
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!
Why Dinosaurs Were Big
Species by species, individual by individual, dinosaurs were bigger than any other land-dwelling animals that ever lived. Here are some theories that just might account for dino gigantism.
Species by species, individual by individual, dinosaurs were bigger than any other land-dwelling animals that ever lived. Here are some theories that just might account for dino gigantism.
Five Biggest Dinosaurs
How heavy was Argentinosaurus? What was the wingspan of Quetzalcoatlus? Read this list of the five biggest dinosaurs to find out.
How heavy was Argentinosaurus? What was the wingspan of Quetzalcoatlus? Read this list of the five biggest dinosaurs to find out.
Crocodiles
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.
Allosaurus
One of the most common predators of the Jurassic era.
One of the most common predators of the Jurassic era.
Liopleurodon
This mean-looking pliosaur was one of the biggest of all marine reptiles.
This mean-looking pliosaur was one of the biggest of all marine reptiles.
Tyrannosaurus Rex
The once--and always--king of the dinosaurs.
The once--and always--king of the dinosaurs.
Raptors
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.
Ceratopsians
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.
Dinosaur Classification
How do paleontologists classify long-extinct dinosaurs? Here's a quick guide to the major orders, suborders and infraorders of dinos, according to the state of current research.
How do paleontologists classify long-extinct dinosaurs? Here's a quick guide to the major orders, suborders and infraorders of dinos, according to the state of current research.
Three Ages of Dinosaurs
What does it mean to say that a dinosaur lived in the Triassic, Jurassic, or Cretaceous period? Here's a description of these three stretches of time, and the plants, animals, climate and geologic features that set them apart.
What does it mean to say that a dinosaur lived in the Triassic, Jurassic, or Cretaceous period? Here's a description of these three stretches of time, and the plants, animals, climate and geologic features that set them apart.
Tyrannosaurs
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.
Brachiosaurus
A giant, gentle, long-necked plant-eater.
A giant, gentle, long-necked plant-eater.
How Did Dinosaurs Evolve?
Like all living creatures, dinosaurs evolved from preexisting ancestors. Here's an overview of current thinking about dino evolution.
Like all living creatures, dinosaurs evolved from preexisting ancestors. Here's an overview of current thinking about dino evolution.
Albertosaurus
This tyrannosaur was a close cousin of T. Rex.
This tyrannosaur was a close cousin of T. Rex.
Velociraptor
This dinosaur was vicious--but a lot smaller than you think.
This dinosaur was vicious--but a lot smaller than you think.
Sarcosuchus
This Cretaceous "SuperCroc" put modern crocodiles to shame.
This Cretaceous "SuperCroc" put modern crocodiles to shame.
Deinonychus
One of the most fearsome predators of the Cretaceous period.
One of the most fearsome predators of the Cretaceous period.
Argentinosaurus
Possibly the largest herbivore that ever lived.
Possibly the largest herbivore that ever lived.
Ankylosaurs
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.
Abelisaurus
"Abel's lizard" has been reconstructed from a single skull.
"Abel's lizard" has been reconstructed from a single skull.
Pterosaurs
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.
Ankylosaurus
The Cretaceous equivalent of a Sherman tank.
The Cretaceous equivalent of a Sherman tank.
Guanlong
Probably the first tyrannosaur ever to walk the earth.
Probably the first tyrannosaur ever to walk the earth.
Dinos and Creationists
Creationist don't believe in evolution, and insist that the earth is only a few thousand years old. How do dinosaurs fit in their world view?
Creationist don't believe in evolution, and insist that the earth is only a few thousand years old. How do dinosaurs fit in their world view?
Are Dinosaurs Really Extinct?
Some folks believe the world may still harbor living, breathing dinosaurs. Here's a peek into their reasoning, and why they're probably wrong.
Some folks believe the world may still harbor living, breathing dinosaurs. Here's a peek into their reasoning, and why they're probably wrong.
Sauropods
The sauropods were the true giants of the dinosaur family; some of them may have 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 genuses ranging from Apatosaurus to Vulcanodon.
The sauropods were the true giants of the dinosaur family; some of them may have 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 genuses ranging from Apatosaurus to Vulcanodon.
Iguanodon
Only the second dinosaur in history ever to receive a name.
Only the second dinosaur in history ever to receive a name.
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.
Carnotaurus
The shortest arms of any meat-eater--and horns to match.
The shortest arms of any meat-eater--and horns to match.
Before the Dinosaurs
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.
Silly Extinct Dinosaurs
We all know about dinosaurs like T. Rex and Stegosaurus that met their doom 65 million years ago, during the K/T Extinction. But what about the lesser-known dinos that appeared briefly during the Mesozoic Era, only to quickly disperse into the mists of history?
We all know about dinosaurs like T. Rex and Stegosaurus that met their doom 65 million years ago, during the K/T Extinction. But what about the lesser-known dinos that appeared briefly during the Mesozoic Era, only to quickly disperse into the mists of history?
Achillobator
This fierce raptor was discovered in modern-day Mongolia.
This fierce raptor was discovered in modern-day Mongolia.
Dinosaur Gender
No, it's not as dirty as it sounds. The question is, did the males of some dinosaur species differ in size and appearance from the females?
No, it's not as dirty as it sounds. The question is, did the males of some dinosaur species differ in size and appearance from the females?
Kronosaurus
This pliosaur made a great white shark seem like a guppy by comparison.
This pliosaur made a great white shark seem like a guppy by comparison.
Spinosaurus
This carnivore was distinguished by the sail-like structure on its back.
This carnivore was distinguished by the sail-like structure on its back.
Alioramus
All we know of this tyrannosaur is based on a single skull.
All we know of this tyrannosaur is based on a single skull.
Acanthopholis
No, it's not a city in Greece.
No, it's not a city in Greece.
Aegyptosaurus
Guess what country this titanosaur was found in?
Guess what country this titanosaur was found in?
Alectrosaurus
Few specimens of this "unmarried lizard" have been found.
Few specimens of this "unmarried lizard" have been found.
Baryonyx
Long story short: you wouldn't want to clip this dino's claws.
Long story short: you wouldn't want to clip this dino's claws.
Quetzalcoatlus
One of the largest creatures ever to take to the sky.
One of the largest creatures ever to take to the sky.
Coprolites
How dinosaurs went to the bathroom, and how fossilized dinosaur dung can be a useful tool for archeologists.
How dinosaurs went to the bathroom, and how fossilized dinosaur dung can be a useful tool for archeologists.
Elasmosaurus
From head to tail, the longest plesiosaur that ever lived.
From head to tail, the longest plesiosaur that ever lived.
Giganotosaurus
Not quite a "Gigantosaurus," but close enough.
Not quite a "Gigantosaurus," but close enough.
Ceratosaurus
This primitive carnivore is hard for paleontologists to classify.
This primitive carnivore is hard for paleontologists to classify.
Daspletosaurus
This "frightful lizard" was a cousin of T. Rex.
This "frightful lizard" was a cousin of T. Rex.
Pliosaurus
A complete skeleton if this giant swimmer was recently found in Norway.
A complete skeleton if this giant swimmer was recently found in Norway.
Appalachiosaurus
One of the few dinosaurs ever to be discovered in Alabama.
One of the few dinosaurs ever to be discovered in Alabama.
How Smart Were Dinosaurs?
Did all dinosaurs have a brain the size of a walnut? Here's a look at modern views of dino intelligence.
Did all dinosaurs have a brain the size of a walnut? Here's a look at modern views of dino intelligence.
Dolichorhynchops
A typical pliosaur of the late Cretaceous.
A typical pliosaur of the late Cretaceous.
Were Dinosaurs Warm-Blooded?
Although many people think the issue has been settled once and for all, scientists still debate whether dinosaurs were warm-blooded or cold-blooded (or something in between). Here's a look at the evidence for and against warm-blooded dinos.
Although many people think the issue has been settled once and for all, scientists still debate whether dinosaurs were warm-blooded or cold-blooded (or something in between). Here's a look at the evidence for and against warm-blooded dinos.
Utahraptor
Probably the biggest raptor that ever lived.
Probably the biggest raptor that ever lived.
Centrosaurus
Like a unicorn, this ceratopsian had only one horn.
Like a unicorn, this ceratopsian had only one horn.
Anatotitan
This hadrosaur's name means "giant duck."
This hadrosaur's name means "giant duck."
Diplodocus
"Thin at one end, much much thicker in the middle, and then thin again at the far end."
"Thin at one end, much much thicker in the middle, and then thin again at the far end."
Barosaurus
An enormous plant-eater with a tiny head.
An enormous plant-eater with a tiny head.
Apatosaurus
The dinosaur formerly known as Brontosaurus.
The dinosaur formerly known as Brontosaurus.
Styracosaurus
Winner of the "most elaborate head display" competition.
Winner of the "most elaborate head display" competition.
Dilong
This "emperor dragon" may have been an ancestor of T. Rex.
This "emperor dragon" may have been an ancestor of T. Rex.
Plesiosaurus
This long-necked swimmer set the standard for aquatic reptiles.
This long-necked swimmer set the standard for aquatic reptiles.
Jurassic Period
Dinosaur Glossary - Definition of the Jurassic Period
Dinosaur Glossary - Definition of the Jurassic Period
Parasaurolophus
Probably the loudest dinosaur that ever roamed the earth.
Probably the loudest dinosaur that ever roamed the earth.
Saltasaurus
The first armored sauropod ever to be discovered.
The first armored sauropod ever to be discovered.
Chasmosaurus
The only dinosaur that came with its own awning.
The only dinosaur that came with its own awning.
Pachycephalosaurs
Twenty million years before the dinosaurs went extinct, a strange new breed evolved: medium-sized, four-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, four-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.
Triceratops
The famous three-horned plant-eater.
The famous three-horned plant-eater.
Tanystropheus
This reptile's long neck looked like a rubber pencil.
This reptile's long neck looked like a rubber pencil.
Hadrosaurs
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.
Alamosaurus
No, it wasn't named after the Alamo (but it should have been).
No, it wasn't named after the Alamo (but it should have been).
Deinosuchus
One of the biggest crocodiles of the Cretaceous period.
One of the biggest crocodiles of the Cretaceous period.
Coelophysis
One of the most ancient of all the dinosaurs.
One of the most ancient of all the dinosaurs.
Protoceratops Fight
It’s got way too many syllables to be turned into a Hollywood movie, but a spectacular fossil find shows these two dinosaurs engaged in heated combat.
It’s got way too many syllables to be turned into a Hollywood movie, but a spectacular fossil find shows these two dinosaurs engaged in heated combat.
Woolungasaurus
The remains of this plesiosaur were dug up in Australia.
The remains of this plesiosaur were dug up in Australia.
Antarctopelta
The first dinosaur fossil ever found in Antarctica .
The first dinosaur fossil ever found in Antarctica .
Attenborosaurus
This plesiosaur was named after the documentarian David Attenborough.
This plesiosaur was named after the documentarian David Attenborough.
Stomatosuchus
This giant crocodile fed on tiny plankton, like a sperm whale.
This giant crocodile fed on tiny plankton, like a sperm whale.
Zuniceratops
This horned dinosaur was discovered by an eight-year-old boy.
This horned dinosaur was discovered by an eight-year-old boy.
Camarasaurus
The most common sauropod of Jurassic North America.
The most common sauropod of Jurassic North America.
Archelon
A dinosaur-sized turtle of the late Cretaceous.
A dinosaur-sized turtle of the late Cretaceous.
Greek Dinosaur Names
Sometimes it can be hard to distinguish a Micropachycephalosaurus from a Brachytrachelopan, especially if you don't happen to know Greek. Here's a list of the Greek words most commonly used to name dinosaurs, along with their English equivalents.
Sometimes it can be hard to distinguish a Micropachycephalosaurus from a Brachytrachelopan, especially if you don't happen to know Greek. Here's a list of the Greek words most commonly used to name dinosaurs, along with their English equivalents.
T. Rex: Hunter or Scavenger?
Did Tyrannosaurus Rex actually hunt for its food, or did it scavenge already dead (or dying) prey?
Did Tyrannosaurus Rex actually hunt for its food, or did it scavenge already dead (or dying) prey?
Aristonectes
One of the last plesiosaurs left before the K/T extinction.
One of the last plesiosaurs left before the K/T extinction.
Edaphosaurus
This early land reptile was a cousin of Dimetrodon.
This early land reptile was a cousin of Dimetrodon.
The Origins of Flight
There are two theories about how feathered dinosaurs started to fly, which can be loosely classified as "bottom up" and "top down." Here's a look at the evidence for and against each, and the current state of thinking among paleontologists.
There are two theories about how feathered dinosaurs started to fly, which can be loosely classified as "bottom up" and "top down." Here's a look at the evidence for and against each, and the current state of thinking among paleontologists.
Ichthyosaurus
A remarkably fish-like reptile of the Jurassic period.
A remarkably fish-like reptile of the Jurassic period.
Pachycephalosaurus
This plant-eater gave new meaning to the word "blockhead."
This plant-eater gave new meaning to the word "blockhead."
Cymbospondylus
A very large--and very ancient--ichthyosaur.
A very large--and very ancient--ichthyosaur.
Tarbosaurus
The second-biggest tyrannosaur after T. Rex.
The second-biggest tyrannosaur after T. Rex.
Xuanhanosaurus
This small, big-headed carnivore prowled Jurassic Asia.
This small, big-headed carnivore prowled Jurassic Asia.
Compsognathus
The size of a chicken, but much meaner.
The size of a chicken, but much meaner.
Pteranodon
What folks usually refer to when the say "pterodactyl."
What folks usually refer to when the say "pterodactyl."
Anchisaurus
One of the first dinosaurs dug up in the United States.
One of the first dinosaurs dug up in the United States.
Pterodactylus
The first pterosaur ever to be discovered--and still the most famous.
The first pterosaur ever to be discovered--and still the most famous.
Eoraptor
This tiny dinosaur was among the first of its kind.
This tiny dinosaur was among the first of its kind.
Gasosaurus
Yes, that's its real name, and no, it isn't for the reason you think.
Yes, that's its real name, and no, it isn't for the reason you think.
Therizinosaurus
What did Little Orphan Annie say when she saw this dinosaur? "Reaping lizards!"
What did Little Orphan Annie say when she saw this dinosaur? "Reaping lizards!"
Supersaurus
No, it didn't wear a cape--but this giant dinosaur was still impressive.
No, it didn't wear a cape--but this giant dinosaur was still impressive.
Anteosaurus
This huge, crocodile-like reptile preceded the dinosaurs.
This huge, crocodile-like reptile preceded the dinosaurs.
Californosaurus
Guess what state this ichthyosaur was discovered in?
Guess what state this ichthyosaur was discovered in?
Barapasaurus
Probably the first of the giant sauropods.
Probably the first of the giant sauropods.
Pyroraptor
This "fire thief" prowled the plains of prehistoric France.
This "fire thief" prowled the plains of prehistoric France.
Terminonatator
Not quite a Terminator, but close enough.
Not quite a Terminator, but close enough.
K/T Extinction
What caused the sudden extinction of the dinosaurs 65 million years ago? Most scientists blame an astronomical impact.
What caused the sudden extinction of the dinosaurs 65 million years ago? Most scientists blame an astronomical impact.
Bernissartia
One of the smallest of all the Cretaceous crocodiles.
One of the smallest of all the Cretaceous crocodiles.
Titanosaurus
This titanic herbivore may--or may not--have been a unique member of its genus.
This titanic herbivore may--or may not--have been a unique member of its genus.
Antarctosaurus
Despite its name, this titanosaur may not have lived in Antarctica.
Despite its name, this titanosaur may not have lived in Antarctica.
Ampelosaurus
One of the best-known of the armored titanosaurs.
One of the best-known of the armored titanosaurs.
What Is a Dinosaur?
The scientific definition of what constitutes a "dinosaur" is a lot more involved than you might think. Here's a brief explanation.
The scientific definition of what constitutes a "dinosaur" is a lot more involved than you might think. Here's a brief explanation.
Excalibosaurus
This ichthyosaur was named after King Arthur’s sword.
This ichthyosaur was named after King Arthur’s sword.
Seismosaurus
It was huge, to be sure--but might it have been a species of Diplodocus?
It was huge, to be sure--but might it have been a species of Diplodocus?
Bactrosaurus
One of the earliest of the duck-billed dinosaurs.
One of the earliest of the duck-billed dinosaurs.
Stygimoloch
Its name means "demon from the river of death." Got your attention yet?
Its name means "demon from the river of death." Got your attention yet?
Dracorex
The only dinosaur to be named after the [i]Harry Potter[/i] books.
The only dinosaur to be named after the [i]Harry Potter[/i] books.
Herrerasaurus
This primitive carnivore roamed present-day South America.
This primitive carnivore roamed present-day South America.
Grippia
The best specimen of this ichthyosaur was destroyed in World War II.
The best specimen of this ichthyosaur was destroyed in World War II.
Corythosaurus
This "Corinthian-helmeted" dino had a distinctive mating call.
This "Corinthian-helmeted" dino had a distinctive mating call.
Gargoyleosaurus
This "gargoyle lizard" was an ancestor of Ankylosaurus.
This "gargoyle lizard" was an ancestor of Ankylosaurus.
Dilophosaurus
This dino was distinguished by the bony crests on its noggin.
This dino was distinguished by the bony crests on its noggin.
Thililua
Try saying its name ten times fast.
Try saying its name ten times fast.
Gorgosaurus
Might this tyrannosaur have been a species of Albertosaurus?
Might this tyrannosaur have been a species of Albertosaurus?
Megalosaurus
The first dinosaur ever to be discovered and named.
The first dinosaur ever to be discovered and named.
Sauroposeidon
One of the tallest dinosaurs ever to walk the earth.
One of the tallest dinosaurs ever to walk the earth.
Nothosaurus
A slim, fast swimmer with lots of teeth.
A slim, fast swimmer with lots of teeth.
Futalognkosaurus
It sounds like a hot dog, but it was one of the biggest dinosaurs that ever lived.
It sounds like a hot dog, but it was one of the biggest dinosaurs that ever lived.
Crichtonsaurus
This dinosaur was named after the author of [i]Jurassic Park[/i].
This dinosaur was named after the author of [i]Jurassic Park[/i].
Desmatosuchus
A crocodile-like archosaur with a fish-like head.
A crocodile-like archosaur with a fish-like head.
Epachthosaurus
This "heavy lizard" was relatively primitive for its time and place.
This "heavy lizard" was relatively primitive for its time and place.
Hypsilophodon
This man-sized herbivore liked to eat and run.
This man-sized herbivore liked to eat and run.
Andesaurus
This titanosaur rivaled Argentinosaurus in size.
This titanosaur rivaled Argentinosaurus in size.
Shonisaurus
The largest ichthyosaur yet to be discovered.
The largest ichthyosaur yet to be discovered.
Edmontosaurus
This large, duck-billed herbivore was a contemporary of T. Rex.
This large, duck-billed herbivore was a contemporary of T. Rex.
Euoplocephalus
Even this ankylosaur’s eyelids were armored.
Even this ankylosaur’s eyelids were armored.
Pentaceratops
This "five-horned" herbivore really had only three.
This "five-horned" herbivore really had only three.
Microraptor
This tiny dino had a birdlike appearance--but with four wings rather than two.
This tiny dino had a birdlike appearance--but with four wings rather than two.
Cynognathus
The most mammal-like of all ancient reptiles.
The most mammal-like of all ancient reptiles.
Eotyrannus
This early tyrannosaur looked more like a raptor.
This early tyrannosaur looked more like a raptor.
Buitreraptor
The oldest raptor ever discovered in South America.
The oldest raptor ever discovered in South America.
Charonosaurus
This duck-billed dinosaur was much, much bigger than an elephant.
This duck-billed dinosaur was much, much bigger than an elephant.
Pachyrhinosaurus
This "thick-nosed lizard" roamed the North American forests.
This "thick-nosed lizard" roamed the North American forests.
Mauisaurus
One of the few plesiosaurs to be discovered in New Zealand.
One of the few plesiosaurs to be discovered in New Zealand.
Suchomimus
A fish-eater with a distinctly crocodilian profile.
A fish-eater with a distinctly crocodilian profile.
Brachytrachelopan
This sauropod had an unusually short neck.
This sauropod had an unusually short neck.
Jeholopterus
This fanged pterosaur looked like a flying vampire.
This fanged pterosaur looked like a flying vampire.
Ichthyosaurs
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.
Hylonomus
Could this have been the first reptile?
Could this have been the first reptile?
Cetiosaurus
Guess which creature this "whale lizard" was once mistaken for?
Guess which creature this "whale lizard" was once mistaken for?
Micropachycephalosaurus
The current record-holder for longest dinosaur name.
The current record-holder for longest dinosaur name.
Lambeosaurus
This herbivore had a hatchet-shaped crest on its noggin.
This herbivore had a hatchet-shaped crest on its noggin.
Torosaurus
This horned, frilled herbivore was a close cousin of Triceratops.
This horned, frilled herbivore was a close cousin of Triceratops.