Many of us, especially kids, are very curious about dinosaurs. We are always eager to know more about this life form that roamed the earth thousands of years ago. Here are some interesting facts about dinosaurs:
The Largest Dinosaur
According to studies from complete skeletons, the Brachiosaurus is the largest or heaviest and tallest dinosaur. They are about 40 feet tall and approximately 70 to 80 tons in weight. Further studies about other dinosaurs like the Seismosaurus, Supersaurus, Ultrasaurus and Argentinosaurus are suggesting that the Brachiosaurus is not really the largest dinosaur. However, merely partial skeletons of these dinosaurs were discovered, making scientists uncertain if these are new species or they are also larger Brachiosaurus.
The Estimated Age of Dinosaurs
If scientists will just base their calculations on fossil records, the age of dinosaurs cannot be guaranteed. Although there were studies on their teeths growth rings, these were constantly replaced throughout the dinosaurs lifespan. Thus, when compared to modern large mammals and reptiles, scientists estimated that dinosaurs could have lived for about 50 up to 150 years.
The Smallest Dinosaur
Paleontologists noted that the smallest dinosaur was the Compsognathus. It is even about the same size as a chicken. An adult Compsognathus can reach 2 feet in length, more attributed to its thin, long tail.
The Smartest Dinosaur
The Troodon had the largest brain out of all the species. This is in relation to its actual body size. This is why they are thought as the most intelligent amongst other dinosaurs. In fact, most paleontologists regard them as smarter than an ostrich, making it smarter than any living reptile on Earth now.
The Toughest Dinosaur
Contrary to belief that the toughest dinosaur was the Tyrannosaurus Rex, it is the Deinonychus. This is because the T-Rex is more like a scavenger than a ferocious hunter. This made the Deinonychus the meanest ad toughest dinosaur. It is merely 2.7 meter long, 1.5 meters tall and it weighs just like an average man. Despite their small size, they are noted as the most extraordinary predators of all time. Due to its large serrated teeth, keen eyesight, great agility, grasping hands and sickle-shaped 5-inch long claws on every hinds foot, this dinosaur variety is a very ferocious enemy.
The Size of Dinosaur Eggs
Despite the size of dinosaurs, their eggs are quite small. In fact, the gigantic Sauropods eggs are no bigger than volleyballs. One reason is the fact that a bigger egg entails thicker shells so that it will not collapse. A very thick shell can actually pose 2 big problems. The 1st problem is that it is too thick for the oxygen to permeate. This means, the embryos will not be able to breathe. The 2nd problem would be the fact that the shell will be too thick to be pushed by the hatchlings.
The Fastest Dinosaur
The Galliminus which can travel about 35 mi per hour is considered as the fastest dinosaur. The Coelophysis ranks second at an estimated 25 mi per hour. The third in ranking is the T-Rex at 15 mi per hour.
The Strangest Dinosaur
The Ancient Wing or the Archaeopteryx is a small creature with feathers. It is similar to a chicken but it can fly. It is actually the 1st known bird, showcasing how birds are descendants of dinosaurs.
The Number of Dinosaur Types
At current, paleontologists and scientists note that there are about 440 types of dinosaurs that existed.
The Voices of Dinosaurs
Even if no one actually heard the voice of a dinosaur, many scientists guess that the T-Rex had a raspy and deep voice, the Hadrisaur had a voice like a honking 5-ton goose and the Apatosaurus had a voice similar to a herd of snorting horses.
Dinosaur Names
The names of dinosaurs are mostly a combination of Greek or Latin root words. Their names actually describe them. A good example would be the Triceratops which means three-horned face. These names also describe the place of their discovery or to recognize learning institutions. A good example is the Arctosaurus whose remains were found along the Arctic Circle. The Yaleosaurus was actually named after the Yale University.
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