Podcast
Questions and Answers
When did dinosaurs evolve (era)?
When did dinosaurs evolve (era)?
The Mesozoic era
Dinosaurs are diapsid reptiles.
Dinosaurs are diapsid reptiles.
True (A)
Marine and flying dinosaurs used to exist.
Marine and flying dinosaurs used to exist.
False (B)
When were dinosaurs recognized as reptiles?
When were dinosaurs recognized as reptiles?
Who is Robert Plot?
Who is Robert Plot?
Which dinosaur was the first to ever be described scientifically?
Which dinosaur was the first to ever be described scientifically?
Who discovered large 'teeth' from the remains of an Iguanodon?
Who discovered large 'teeth' from the remains of an Iguanodon?
What are the basic types/orders of dinosaurs?
What are the basic types/orders of dinosaurs?
What is the classification of dinosaurs starting from the phylum?
What is the classification of dinosaurs starting from the phylum?
What is the description of the subclass Diapsida?
What is the description of the subclass Diapsida?
What is the description of the superorder Archosauria?
What is the description of the superorder Archosauria?
What is the description of the order Saurischia?
What is the description of the order Saurischia?
What is the description of the suborder Sauropodomorpha?
What is the description of the suborder Sauropodomorpha?
What is the description of the suborder Theropoda?
What is the description of the suborder Theropoda?
What is the order Ornithischia?
What is the order Ornithischia?
Dinosaurs stood _____ with their knees and feet under their bodies.
Dinosaurs stood _____ with their knees and feet under their bodies.
Plesiosaurus is a dinosaur.
Plesiosaurus is a dinosaur.
Mosasaurus is not a dinosaur.
Mosasaurus is not a dinosaur.
What caused the Cretaceous Extinction?
What caused the Cretaceous Extinction?
Who is the scientist who discovered large versions of modern reptiles between 1819 and 1824?
Who is the scientist who discovered large versions of modern reptiles between 1819 and 1824?
Who is Richard Owen?
Who is Richard Owen?
Study Notes
Dinosaur Evolution and Classification
- Dinosaurs evolved during the Mesozoic era.
- Dinosaurs belong to the diapsid group of reptiles.
- Dinosaurs were recognized as reptiles in the 1800s.
- The first scientifically described dinosaur was Megalosaurus.
- Mary Ann Mantell discovered large teeth from an Iguanodon.
Orders and Suborders of Dinosaurs
- Dinosaurs are classified into two main orders:
- Order Saurischia:
- Suborder Sauropodomorpha: Includes massive herbivores like Brachiosaurus and Apatosaurus.
- Suborder Theropoda: Predatory dinosaurs such as Tyrannosaurus and Velociraptor; bipedal.
- Order Ornithischia: Features bipedal and quadrupedal herbivores like Stegosaurus and Triceratops.
- Order Saurischia:
Taxonomy and Anatomy
- Taxonomy of dinosaurs starts with Phylum Chordata, Class Reptilia, and includes:
- Subclass Diapsida: Amniotes with two temporal skull openings.
- Superorder Archosauria: Advanced diapsids, mostly terrestrial with some specialized for flight.
- Order Saurischia and Order Ornithischia are the primary classifications within dinosaurs.
- Dinosaurs had an erected posture with knees and feet positioned under their bodies.
Characteristics and Misconceptions
- Plesiosaurus and Mosasaurus are not considered dinosaurs.
- All known dinosaurs are extinct and had distinct anatomical features.
- Order Saurischia consisted of both bipedal carnivores and quadrupedal herbivores.
- Order Ornithischia featured advanced, bird-like hip structures.
Extinction Theories
- The Cretaceous extinction event is attributed to several hypotheses:
- Dinosaurs likely faced environmental challenges that diminished their adaptability.
- Super volcanic activity may have released ash into the atmosphere affecting climate.
- Impact events, such as asteroids, contributed to the extinction scenario.
Notable Scientists in Paleontology
- Robert Plot was a curator who mistakenly attributed a large thighbone to a giant human.
- William Buckland discovered large reptile fossils between 1819 and 1824.
- Richard Owen recognized that the fossils represented a unique group of reptiles not seen in modern times.
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Description
Test your knowledge on dinosaurs with these flashcards from Lab 18. Learn about their evolution during the Mesozoic era, classification as diapsid reptiles, and historical recognition in the 1800s. Perfect for anyone interested in the fascinating world of dinosaurs!
