If scientists will just base their calculations on fossil records, the age of dinosaurs cannot be guaranteed. Although there were studies on their teeth’s growth rings, these were constantly replaced throughout the dinosaur’s lifespan. Thus, when compared to modern large mammals and reptiles, scientists estimated that dinosaurs could have lived for about 50 up to 150 years.

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 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.

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 hind’s foot, this dinosaur variety is a very ferocious enemy.

Despite the size of dinosaurs, their eggs are quite small. In fact, the gigantic Sauropod’s 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 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 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. At current, paleontologists and scientists note that there are about 440 types of dinosaurs that existed. 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.

The word dinosaur was derived from the Greek words deinos and sauros which together means terrible lizard. Dinosaurs are prehistoric animals that have existed over 200 million years ago during the Mesozoic Era. These creatures have grown in many different kinds during their existence on earth and have disappeared mysteriously during the Cretaceous Period. Based on study there are 700 types of dinosaurs which were identified but it is believed that there are more which have not yet been discovered.

Dinosaurs vary greatly in size. The smallest among the dinosaurs is the Compsognathus similar to the size with a hen only. Among the largest is the Sauropod which measures at about 100 feet in length. This type of dinosaur features a long neck known as a plant eater. Basically dinosaurs are classified according to its size and shape. Dinosaurs who feed from meet (carnivorous) are called Theropods. These are considered as bipedal animals with 3 toed feet. The Carnosaurs belong to the Theropod family which is small and is also the fastest among its kind.

Among the larger kind are the Sauropods a four legged dinosaur like the Apatosaurus Brachiosaurus and the Diplodocus. The Ankylosaurs are dinosaurs which feature spiny tails with strong armored bodies. There are also dinosaurs which have horns on top of their head like the Triceratops and are classified as Ceratopians. There are other existing animals during the Mesozoic Era that many people mistakenly identify as dinosaurs. These creatures are actually not because they dont have the same traits as the dinosaurs. Researchers have identified traits of dinosaurs.

In general however dinosaurs bear some basic traits. Dinosaurs are four legged animals but some of their kind walks on two legs. They basically dwell in land. Their bone and muscle structures are unique. They have cheek muscles which extends from the jaw connected to the skulls. Dinosaurs have a vertical gait and usually extend their bodies above their legs. Their hip girdles are composed of three bones namely pubis ilium and ischimum.

Scientists also proved that dinosaurs can run fast due to its well proportioned leg bones. They also discovered that dinosaurs have a sensitive sense of hearing and site based on the cavities that were found in their skull. Since dinosaurs are associated to be of close relationship with birds and reptiles scientist assumes that dinosaurs lay eggs. This has been proven when researchers were able to discover a fossilized egg in many different locations of the world.