Dinosaurs
Definition
Dinosaurs are a group of reptiles that appeared during the Mesozoic Era, between 230 and 65 million years ago. They are characterized by their upright stance, with legs located directly beneath the body.
Analogy
Think of dinosaurs as the "old celebrities" of our planet. Just like how we have movie stars today, dinosaurs were the 'big names' on Earth millions of years ago. They had a variety of roles - some were predators (like T-Rex), others were herbivores (like Triceratops). But just like all stars eventually do, they faded away (became extinct).
Related terms
Jurassic Period: This is one period within the Mesozoic Era when many well-known dinosaurs lived.
Extinction: This is when an entire species or group of species dies out, ending its evolutionary lineage. The dinosaurs went extinct at the end of the Cretaceous period.
Fossils: These are preserved remains or traces of animals, plants, and other organisms from the past. Most dinosaur knowledge comes from studying fossils.
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