TED-Ed: The ferocious predatory dinosaurs of Cretaceous Sahara - Nizar Ibrahim

The video explores the ancient Sahara Desert, which was once a lush river system during the mid-cretaceous period. This ecosystem supported a diverse range of predators and prey, including dinosaurs like Spinosaurus. Fossils from the Kem Kem Beds reveal how these creatures adapted to their environment. The video also discusses the mass extinction events that led to the rise of new species, including mammals and birds, paving the way for human evolution.

What was the primary characteristic of the Sahara Desert during the mid-cretaceous period?

• A vast desert with no water

• A lush river system

• A frozen tundra

• A volcanic landscape

How did the predators in the Kem Kem Beds avoid direct competition?

• By targeting different types and sizes of prey

• By forming alliances with other predators

• By hunting at different times of the day

• By migrating to different regions

Which flying reptile dominated the skies in the Kem Kem ecosystem?

• Pterodactyl

• Alanqa Saharica

• Quetzalcoatlus

• Pteranodon

What feature of the Spinosaurus was used to warn other creatures and possibly attract mates?

• Its sharp claws

• Its loud roar

• Its 2 meter high sail

• Its long tail

What major event led to the extinction of the dinosaurs and many other species?

• An asteroid impact and climate changes

• A global ice age

• A series of volcanic eruptions

• A massive earthquake