Ancient Dinosaurs and Their Modern Descendants

Dinosaurs, a diverse group of reptiles from the Dinosauria clade, existed over 250 million years ago. They were not lizards but had unique characteristics, including varied diets and locomotion styles. Dinosaurs thrived during the Jurassic period but faced extinction due to a catastrophic event 66 million years ago. Birds are modern descendants of theropod dinosaurs, making them avian dinosaurs. Popular species like T. Rex and Velociraptor are often depicted in media.

What does the word 'dinosaur' mean in Greek?

• Mighty lizard

• Giant creature

• Ancient reptile

• Fearfully great lizard

Which period did dinosaurs dominate among terrestrial vertebrates?

• Triassic

• Jurassic

• Paleogene

• Cretaceous

What is believed to have caused the extinction event that affected dinosaurs?

• Asteroid or comet impact

• Volcanic eruptions

• Ice age

• Sea level rise

Which modern-day animals are considered descendants of theropod dinosaurs?

• Birds

• Crocodiles

• Lizards

• Mammals

Which of the following is NOT a commonly featured dinosaur in books and movies?

• Pterodactyl

• Triceratops

• Velociraptor

• Tyrannosaurus Rex