Dinosaurs

Paleontology

Paleontology is the study of prehistoric life. The term itself originates from Greek παλαιός, palaios, i.e. "old, ancient", ὄν, on (gen. ontos), i.e. "being, creature" and λόγος, logos, i.e. "speech, thought, study".[1] Remains of ancient plants and animals are called fossils. Fossils are studied and excavated by scientists, paleontologists. Paleontology consists of many branches, which include but are not limited to paleobotany, vertebrate and invertebrate paleontology, micropaleontology, biostratigraphy, ichnology, etc.

Eras and periods

First ''era'' of prehistoric multicellular life is called Proterozoic. 650 million years ago(mya) a mass extinction happened(mass extinction-is a period when many spieces of animals or plants die). After extinction, new spieces named vendobionts appeared. Next 550 mya, after the death of vendobionts, new era begun-Paleozoic. After another mass extinction Mezozoic era started. Now dinosaurs rule. After they became extinct, Cenozoic era begun. People appear.

Paleozoic

Cambrian period

Main predator:Anomalocaris;

Ordovician

Main predator:Orthocone

Orthocone

Silurian

Main predator:Sea scorpion

Devonian

Main predator:Armoured fish

Hyaenodon

Carboniferous

Main predator:Giant dragonfly

Permian

Main predator:Dimetrodon

Dimetrodon

Mezozoic

Main predators:Dinosaurs(see below)

Cenozoic

Tertiary

Main predator:Hyaenodon

Quaternary

Main predators:Saber-tooth tiger,human.

Horned dinosaur
Armoured dinosaur
Iguanodon
Long-necked dinosaur
Dinosaur footprints

Dinosaurs

Dinosaurs are extinct animals who resemble reptiles, but are more closely related to birds. They lived in the Mesozoic Era, from 230 million years ago to 65 million years ago(throughout Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods). They are descendants of the Archosaurs, who were the reigning creatures of prehistoric times. Examples of dinosaurs include the Tyrannosaurus Rex, Stegosaurus, Velociraptor, Deinonychus, etc.

Discovery

1818 - In USA was found first dinosaur trackway.In UK bones of Iguanodon are found.

1822 - Megalosaurus is named.

1824 - Iguanodon is named.

Appearing

Dinosaurs appeared 230 million years ago.Their ancestors were crocodile-like, and walked on 4 legs (they were quadrupedal).Some dinosaurs,howewer, were two-legged (bipedal).

Interesting discoveries

1968 John Ostrom finds 4 Deinonychus near the Tenontosaurus(Deinonychus is a predator).

Deinonychus

1915;1927 The largest land dinosaurs-carnivores are discovered :Spinosaurus(18 metres;20-25 tonns);Carcharodontosaurus(16 metres;8-9 tonns).

Educational films

See also

External links

  1. ↑ paleontology. Online Etymology Dictionary.
This article is issued from Wikiversity - version of the Wednesday, January 07, 2015. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.