Term meaning "terrible lizard," referring to a diverse group of extinct reptiles that dominated terrestrial ecosystems for over 165 million years

The "Age of Reptiles," encompassing the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods, during which dinosaurs thrived

The first period of the Mesozoic Era (252-201 million years ago), characterized by the emergence and diversification of early dinosaurs

The middle period of the Mesozoic Era (201-145 million years ago), known for giant sauropods and the appearance of feathered dinosaurs

The last period of the Mesozoic Era (145-66 million years ago), marked by the diversification of flowering plants and the extinction of non-avian dinosaurs

A mass extinction event approximately 66 million years ago, widely believed to have been caused by a large asteroid impact

All dinosaur species except birds, which are considered avian dinosaurs

Birds are the only surviving lineage of dinosaurs

One of the two major dinosaur groups, characterized by a lizard-like hip structure. Includes theropods (carnivores like Tyrannosaurus rex) and sauropods (long-necked herbivores like Brachiosaurus)

The other major dinosaur group, characterized by a bird-like hip structure. Includes diverse herbivores like Stegosaurus, Triceratops, and Iguanodon

A group of saurischian dinosaurs that were mostly bipedal carnivores. Examples: Tyrannosaurus rex, Velociraptor, Spinosaurus

A group of saurischian dinosaurs characterized by their massive size, long necks, and long tails. Examples: Brachiosaurus, Apatosaurus, Diplodocus

An ornithischian dinosaur known for its plates along its back and spikes on its tail

An ornithischian dinosaur with three horns on its face and a large bony frill

An ornithischian dinosaur with a thumb spike and a beak-like mouth

The preserved remains or traces of ancient organisms

The scientific study of fossils

Process by which organic remains are preserved in sedimentary rock

Fossil footprints providing evidence of dinosaur locomotion and behavior

Fossilized eggshells and embryos provide insights into dinosaur reproduction and development

Fossilized feces, providing information about dinosaur diet

A branching diagram showing the evolutionary relationships between different dinosaur species

Warm-blooded, maintaining a constant body temperature. (Debate exists on whether all dinosaurs were endothermic)

Cold-blooded, relying on external sources of heat to regulate body temperature. (Debate exists on whether all dinosaurs were ectothermic)

An animal that feeds on plants

An animal that feeds on meat

An animal that feeds on both plants and meat

Walking on two legs

Walking on four legs