The Dinosaurs

Dinosaurs were a diverse group of reptiles that lived from about 230 to 65 million years ago. They ranged from massive, rugged herbivores to swift, cunning predators. Some walked on two legs, others on four, and many had elaborate displays or armor. Their dominance ended with a mass extinction, likely caused by a huge asteroid impact and environmental changes. Today, birds are considered the modern descendants of certain small, feathered theropod dinosaurs. Studying dinosaurs helps scientists understand evolution, Earth's history, and how life adapts to changing environments.