Dinosaurs! Fun Dino Facts for Toddlers and Preschoolers

Dinosaurs lived over 100 million years ago and were first mistaken for dragon bones by the Chinese. They had diverse features, with some having scales, wings, or the ability to roar. Paleontologists study dinosaur fossils to learn about these creatures. Dinosaurs varied greatly in size and diet, from the massive Argentinosaurus to the chicken-sized Compsognathus. The T-rex, once thought to be a fearsome predator, may have been more birdlike. Dinosaurs went extinct around 65 million years ago, possibly due to an asteroid, Ice Age, or volcanic eruption. Today, birds and reptiles are considered their closest living relatives.

What did the Chinese initially believe they had found when they discovered dinosaur bones?

• Dragon bones

• Giant bird bones

• Ancient human remains

• Fossilized trees

Which type of scientist is responsible for studying dinosaurs?

• Biologist

• Archaeologist

• Paleontologist

• Geologist

What was the largest dinosaur known to have existed?

• Triceratops

• Argentinosaurus

• Stegosaurus

• Tyrannosaurus Rex

How might the Tyrannosaurus Rex have been different from the traditional image of a roaring monster?

• It might have had feathers and squawked like a bird

• It was smaller than a chicken

• It could swim and fly

• It had scales instead of feathers

Which of the following animals are considered relatives of dinosaurs?

• Elephants and rhinos

• Whales and dolphins

• Birds and crocodiles

• Lions and tigers