How Long Were Dinosaurs Alive On Earth
The world as we know it today was a lot different than it was thousands, even millions of years ago. As our planet rotates around the sun, it is ever changing; periods of life come and go and different creatures walk upon the land, and swim in the ocean. Even the continents shift and change as the world moves around, evolving itself as all of its inhabitants evolve.
For approximately 160 million years the world belonged to the Dinosaurs; a diverse group of animals that held the world in thrall with their size and the wide variety of species that filled every niche in every ecosystem. There were over 500 distinct genera with over 1,000 non-avian species that roamed the world. Many of these dinosaurs, including birds, were bipedal, making them extremely fast and agile, while others were quadrupeds, staying low to the ground. Some could even switch posters between the two, making it easier to adapt in different ecosystems from foraging to the high trees, or feasting on the low shrubs.
Many of the different species of dinosaurs were incredibly diverse; some had magnificent body armor while others developed long, sharp horns to better defend against an enemy. The predators were either small and fast or large and powerful, able to sprint for short distances and deliver killing blows to their pray with massive jaws. It is even suggested that some of the dinosaurs hunted in packs, much like some modern species such as lions and wolves, do today to make their hunting even more successful.
While being known for their size, smaller dinosaurs also roamed the planet especially during the Mesozoic. No matter the size however, this group if animals will always thrill our imaginations with their diverse range of size, shape and splendor for years to come.