Dinosaurs! These ancient creatures are some of the most fascinating creatures to have ever walked the earth. Kids of all ages, and even adults, are always intrigued by these massive beasts and their prehistoric world. Here are some fun facts about dinosaurs that kids will love to learn:
1. The first dinosaur fossil was discovered in 1824 in England by Mary Ann Mantell, who found a fossil tooth in the rocks of Sussex.
2. Some dinosaurs were as tall as a five-story building, while others were small enough to be held in your hand.
3. The name ‘dinosaur’ comes from the Greek words ‘deinos,’ which means terrible or powerful, and ‘sauros,’ which means lizard.
4. Dinosaurs lived on every continent on earth, even Antarctica.
5. Dilophosaurus was the first dinosaur to be featured in the movie ‘Jurassic Park,’ but in reality, it did not have a frill around its neck or spits poison.
6. Some dinosaurs had feathers, including the velociraptor, which was about the size of a turkey.
7. The Tyrannosaurus Rex had teeth that were almost 12 inches long, and its bite was the strongest bite force of any terrestrial predator.
8. The biggest dinosaur that ever lived was the Argentinosaurus, which weighed over 100 tons and was about as heavy as 15 elephants.
9. Some dinosaurs had two brains – one in their head and another in their tail – which helped them coordinate movement.
10. Dinosaurs laid eggs, just like modern-day birds and reptiles.
11. Scientists believe that many dinosaurs may have had colorful feathers, which they used for courtship displays or protection.
12. One species of dinosaur, the Stegosaurus, had a spiked tail that it could use as a weapon to fend off predators.
13. Many dinosaurs were crustacean eaters and could crack open the tough shells of their prey with their sharp teeth.
14. The tallest dinosaur was the Brachiosaurus, which was about as tall as a four-story building.
15. Some dinosaurs, like the Triceratops, had horns that were over three feet long.
