1. Extinct dinosaur species
2. Paleontological discoveries about dinosaurs.
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On 20th February 1824, the Geological Society of London was captivated by the findings of English naturalist and theologian, William Buckland. In his address, Buckland described the unearthing of an enormous jaw and limb bones in a slate quarry near Oxford, in the village of Stonesfield. These fossils, Buckland recognized, belonged to a colossal reptile that roamed the Earth in ancient times. Thus, the first dinosaur, which Buckland named Megalosaurus, meaning “great lizard,” was officially recognized, although the actual term “dinosaur” would not be coined until the 1840s.
This groundbreaking discovery by Buckland sparked a fascination with dinosaurs that has endured for over 200 years. People from all walks of life embarked on a fossil rush, scouring England and beyond for other colossal bones. In the intervening years, dinosaur science has flourished, providing valuable insights into their appearance, behavior, evolution, and ultimate demise. These magnificent creatures roamed the planet during the Mesozoic Era, from approximately 231 million to 66 million years ago, with their bird descendants still thriving today.
“Our understanding of dinosaurs has evolved significantly since the 19th century,” stated paleontologist Emma Nicholls from the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, home to the Megalosaurus fossils studied by Buckland. “Buckland and other naturalists of that time would be astonished by our current knowledge of dinosaurs,” added paleontologist Steve Brusatte from the University of Edinburgh.
Megalosaurus serves as an exemplary case study in highlighting the advancements in dinosaur research. Initially, Buckland believed that Megalosaurus was a 66-foot (20-meter) long, four-legged lizard capable of living both on land and in water. However, modern scientists have determined that Megalosaurus belonged to the theropod group, which includes meat-eating dinosaurs such as Tyrannosaurus and Spinosaurus. It measured approximately 30 feet (9 meters) in length and moved swiftly on its hind legs, utilizing its clawed hands and toothy jaws to subdue its prey.
Furthermore, Buckland and his contemporaries were unaware of the true antiquity of dinosaurs, as they believed that the Earth was only a few thousand years old. Today, scientists estimate the Earth’s age to be around 4.5 billion years, and Megalosaurus lived approximately 165 million years ago. This realization, along with the discovery of other fossils, triggered a paradigm shift in people’s understanding of the world and the vast stretches of time over which life has evolved.
The Emergence of “Dinosauria”
English naturalist Richard Owen played a crucial role in advancing dinosaur science. In 1841, Owen identified a common group among the fossils found in southern England, including Megalosaurus, Iguanodon, and Hylaeosaurus. He named this group “Dinosauria” during a lecture, with his findings published the following year.
Additional discoveries, such as the fossils of Hadrosaurus and Dryptosaurus in New Jersey, challenged the prevailing notion that dinosaurs resembled reptilian rhinoceroses. These findings revealed that at least some dinosaurs were bipedal, leading to a more comprehensive understanding of their anatomy and diversity. Subsequently, the first complete large dinosaur skeletons were unearthed, first in the American West, then in Belgium and other parts of the world, contributing to the evolving knowledge of dinosaurs.
In the 1960s, the identification of the small but agile Deinonychus revolutionized dinosaur science, marking the beginning of the “Dinosaur Renaissance.” This discovery highlighted the possibility of small, feathered dinosaurs, which bore striking anatomical similarities to early birds like Archaeopteryx. It also sparked a debate over the warm-bloodedness of dinosaurs, challenging the prevailing notion of their sluggish and cold-blooded nature.
“In the decades that followed, extensive research on dinosaur growth, the use of CT scans, and analytical methods for reconstructing evolutionary relationships and biomechanical functions transformed our view of dinosaurs as living creatures,” explained paleontologist Thomas Holtz from the University of Maryland.
By utilizing CT scanners, paleontologists have digitally reconstructed dinosaur brains and ears, providing insights into their sensory capabilities, including sight, hearing, and smell. Additionally, advancements in preservation techniques have allowed researchers to determine the color of dinosaurs by examining well-preserved skin or feather samples.
Today, the field of paleontology is a vibrant and international science, with over 2,000 known dinosaur species. Remarkable fossil discoveries continue to be made in countries such as China, Argentina, Brazil, South Africa, and Mongolia.
“One of the most significant discoveries in recent decades is the realization that some meat-eating dinosaurs, specifically theropods, had feathers rather than scales. Some even had well-developed feathers on their arms, despite being incapable of flight,” shared paleontologist Hans-Dieter Sues from the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History in Washington. These feathers likely served as insulation and were possibly used for display purposes.
The Fatal Blow: The Killer Asteroid
The extinction of dinosaurs has long puzzled scientists, with various theories proposed over the years. One such theory suggested that shrew-sized mammals of the time devoured dinosaur eggs, leading to their demise. However, in 1980, researchers identified a sediment layer dating precisely to the end of the dinosaur age, containing high levels of iridium, a common element in meteorites. This discovery indicated that a massive asteroid had struck the Earth, leading to the extinction of three-quarters of all species, including the dinosaurs. The impact site of this asteroid, known as the Chicxulub crater, measures a staggering 112 miles (180 km) in diameter and is located in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula.
If this catastrophic asteroid had missed Earth, would dinosaurs still reign supreme, instead of the mammals, including humans, who inherited a shattered world?
“Almost certainly, yes,” responded Holtz. He explained that although mammals emerged not long after the first dinosaurs, they spent millions of years in the shadow of their colossal counterparts. Mesozoic mammals were diverse and successful, but primarily limited to smaller body sizes.
However, Holtz also noted that the dinosaurs would have faced challenges as the world gradually dried and cooled, resulting in the reduction of forests and the emergence of grasslands. Nonetheless, dinosaurs, like large mammals, would have had the opportunity to evolve adaptations to these changing conditions, ensuring their survival.
Scientists have evaluated dinosaur metabolism using a formula based on body mass and growth rates, providing insights into their physiology. This research suggests that dinosaurs occupied an intermediate position between present-day warm-blooded and cold-blooded animals.
Furthermore, scientists have refined estimations regarding the size of various dinosaurs, including sauropods, which are known to be the largest land animals in Earth’s history. In a 2023 study, based on limb bone dimensions, Argentinosaurus claimed the heavyweight title, measuring around 115 feet (35 meters) in length and weighing approximately 76 metric tons.
Despite two centuries of research, the exploration of paleontological sites across the globe remains ongoing. “There are still many unexplored regions teeming with fossils, waiting to reveal new species from the age of dinosaurs,” Holtz expressed. Undoubtedly, there are entire groups of dinosaurs yet to be discovered, highlighting the vast potential for future findings.
(Reporting by Will Dunham in Washington, Editing by Rosalba O’Brien)
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1. Dinosaurs recent research
2. Dinosaurs first names.
