What comes to mind when we think of dinosaurs? Perhaps a Tyrannosaurus Rex roaring in the middle of a jungle, maybe a pile of enormous bones in a museum, or probably the collection of plastic figures we had as children, while we tried to learn unpronounceable names. However, we all know that dinosaurs are much more than that—they shaped an entire era of the Earth; a reign of 165 million years (while humans have only been around for 300 thousand years). Their impact was so impressive that, although they are no longer here, their footprints are not just fossilized mud—they continue to be the source of questions we still ask: How did they live? Why did they disappear? What were they really like? And many more that await answers hidden in that past we are still exploring…
Journey to the Past: Curious Facts
1.The word "dinosaur" literally means "terrible lizard" and was coined in 1842 by British paleontologist Richard Owen. At first, Owen wanted to convey the idea that these animals were enormous and fearsome; however, at the time he created the term, he only knew three genera: Megalosaurus, Iguanodon, and Hylaeosaurus.
2. The Argentinosaurus is considered one of the largest dinosaurs to ever exist. This colossus could have reached 35 meters in length. Meanwhile, the Velociraptor was an agile runner that could reach speeds of up to 40 km/h. On the other hand, the dinosaur with the smallest brain was the Stegosaurus; although it is famous for its double row of bony plates on its back, its brain was the size of a walnut—yet it managed to survive in its environment for millions of years. It is estimated that there are more than 700 different species of dinosaurs known to date, and paleontologists continue to discover new species every year.
3.Real etymological root of its name: Deinos (δεινός) = "terrible, enormous, powerful." Sauros (σαῦρος) = "lizard or reptile."
Jurassic Spaces: Understanding the Prehistoric Eras
The Triassic — considered the dawn of the dinosaurs. The Triassic period, approximately 250 million years ago, marked the beginning of the age of dinosaurs. During this time, the continents were joined together in a supercontinent called Pangea, where the first dinosaurs began to emerge—notably the Coelophysis, a small carnivore that hunted in packs.
The Jurassic — also called "the golden age of giants." This period took place between 201 and 145 million years ago. Here, the continents began to separate, creating new habitats and climates that allowed a wide diversity of life. In this period we can highlight the famous Brachiosaurus, a long-necked herbivore that could reach the highest leaves of trees.
The Cretaceous — corresponds to the twilight of the dinosaurs. It occurred 145 to 66 million years ago, being their final period. During this era, many of the most well-known dinosaurs emerged, such as the Tyrannosaurus rex and the Triceratops. This period concluded with a catastrophic event that led to the extinction of the dinosaurs.
Featured Dinosaurs: Getting to Know the Giants
Tyrannosaurus rex: Considered the king of the dinosaurs, it is without a doubt the most emblematic and even symbolic of them all. With its powerful jaw and fearsome appearance, it dominated its environment in the late Cretaceous. Although its fame generates an imposing image, scientists believe that this predator was also an opportunistic scavenger.
Triceratops: Also called the horned giant, it is known for its three horns and its large bony shield. Despite its intimidating appearance, it was a peaceful herbivore that fed on low-lying plants. Its skull is one of the largest and most complex among dinosaurs, which gave it a formidable defense against predators.Brachiosaurus: The legendary long-necked colossus, weighing up to 30 tons and with a length that could exceed 25 meters, was herbivorous and, unlike other sauropods, had longer front legs than hind legs, which gave it an upright posture.
Dinosaurs are more than fossils in a museum or fearsome characters in movies; they are the main witnesses of a remote past that teaches us about evolution, adaptation, and extinction. Learning about their history will help us better understand our own place in the world and how species must adapt to survive. Questions arise such as: What can we learn from their disappearance to protect current species? The story of the dinosaurs is a reminder of the fragility of life on Earth and the importance of preserving our environment for future generations.
Investigating the past, exploring the majesty of the dinosaurs, and understanding their lasting impact helps us become more aware. The next time we see a fossil or a toy dinosaur, we will remember that we are looking at an ancient giant that left its footprint beyond time.
Tell me in the comments if you prefer a grumpy Tyrannosaurus Rex or a vegetarian Triceratops. And if you made it this far... thank you for unearthing this space with me.
