Dinosaurs | Dinosauria

Dinosaurs | Dinosauria

Description
Description

Dinosaurs, belonging to the clade Dinosauria, were a diverse group of reptiles that dominated the Earth for over 160 million years, from the late Triassic to the end of the Cretaceous period. They evolved into a vast array of forms and sizes, from the colossal long-necked sauropods to the fierce theropods like Tyrannosaurus rex. These ancient creatures inhabited a variety of habitats, including forests, plains, and deserts, adapting remarkably to their environments. Their extinction, about 66 million years ago, likely resulted from a catastrophic asteroid impact, radically altering the planet's climate. Dinosaurs left a rich fossil record, enabling scientists to unravel their fascinating history.

Anatomy
Anatomy

Dinosaurs were a diverse group with varied anatomies, but they shared common features. Most had strong, pillar-like legs for support and movement, with different species adapting to run, wade, or even swim. They had sharp claws and teeth, or beaks, for hunting or foraging. Some, like the Velociraptor, had feathers, indicating a link to modern birds. Dinosaurs' senses varied; predators like the T-Rex had forward-facing eyes for depth perception, while herbivores had eyes on the sides of their heads to watch for danger. While we can't be sure about their vocalizations, some may have communicated through roars, hisses, or even bird-like calls.

Human Interaction
Human Interaction

Dinosaurs and humans never coexisted, separated by millions of years, yet our fascination with these ancient reptiles is undeniable. They captivate our imagination, starring in films like "Jurassic Park," symbolizing power and mystery. Fossils fuel scientific inquiry and public awe, and museums worldwide showcase their grandeur. Dinosaur discoveries contribute to our understanding of Earth's history and biodiversity.

While these magnificent creatures can't benefit from conservation efforts, their remains are protected through rigorous paleontological protocols. The allure of dinosaurs lives on, bridging the gap between science and popular culture, and continuing to inspire and educate future generations.

Common Questions
Common Questions
When did dinosaurs live?

Dinosaurs lived in the Mesozoic Era which took place between 245 and 66 million years ago. The Mesozoic Era is divided into 3 time periods: Triassic (252 to 201 million years ago), Jurassic (201 to 145 million years ago), and Cretaceous (145 to 66 million years ago).

Why were dinosaurs so big?

Paleontologist believe dinosaurs grew so big in order to gain protection from predators, help regulate internal body temperature, and to allow them to reach their source of food. Today, whales are the only animal who are close to the size of dinosaurs.

Where did dinosaurs live?

Dinosaur fossils have been found on every continent, proving that they lived in every environment of the world. During the Triassic period the continents were one supercontinent called Pangea. The continents slowly spread across the world into the arrangement that they are at today.

Animals

* Under Development *

9.5’-16.1’ | 2.9-4.9 m
3.3’-5.25’ | 1-1.6 m
26’-43’ | 7.9-13.1 m
3,300-5,070 lb | 1,497-2,300 kg
25-30 years
Allosaurus
490.000
160.000
1310.000
2300.000
30.00
199000
GUIDE
3D
Allosaurus
7’-8.2’ | 2.15-2.5 m
3.4’-4.4’ | 1.05-1.35 m
30’-33' | 9.14-10 m
5,700-6,600 lb | 2,585-2,994 kg
25-35 years
Amargasaurus
250.000
135.000
1000.000
2994.000
35.00
32000
GUIDE
3D
Amargasaurus
5'6" | 1.67 m
16' | 4.85 m
Ankylosaurus
167.000
485.000
66000
GUIDE
3D
Ankylosaurus
17.1’-18.7’ | 5.2-5.7 m
6.9’-7.5’ | 2.1-2.3 m
69’-75’ | 21-23 m
36,000-49,000 lb | 16,330-22,226 kg
70-100 years
Apatosaurus
570.000
230.000
2300.000
22226.000
100.00
87000
GUIDE
3D
Apatosaurus
5.5”-7.1” | 14-18 cm
1.4”-2” | 3.5-5 cm
1.3’-1.6’ | .4-.5 m
1.8-2.2 lb | .82-1 kg
Archaeopteryx
18.000
5.000
50.000
1.000
175000
GUIDE
3D
Archaeopteryx
39.4’-45.9’ | 12-14 m
12.5’-14.8’ | 3.8-4.5 m
98’-115’ | 30-35 m
110,000-220,000 lb | 49,895-99,790 kg
35-45 years
Argentinosaurus
1400.000
450.000
3500.000
99790.000
45.00
114000
GUIDE
3D
Argentinosaurus
41’-49.2’ | 12.5-15 m (Overall)
10.2’-12.5’ | 3.1-3.8 m
59’-72.2’ | 18-22 m
62,400-103,400 lb | 28,300-46,900 kg
80-100 years
Brachiosaurus
1500.000
380.000
2200.000
46900.000
100.00
291000
GUIDE
3D
Brachiosaurus
26.6’-28.9’ | 8.1-8.8 m
6.6’-7.4’ | 2-2.25 m
69’-75’ | 21-23 m
34,000-50,000 lb | 15,422-22,680 kg
80-100 years
Brontosaurus
880.000
225.000
2300.000
22680.000
100.00
213000
GUIDE
3D
Brontosaurus
3’-4.3’ | .9-1.3 m
6.3”-10.2” | 16-26 cm
6.6’-9.8’ | 2-3 m
33-55 lb | 15-25 kg
Coelophysis
130.000
26.000
300.000
25.000
22000
GUIDE
3D
Coelophysis
15.1’-17.4’ | 4.6-5.3 m
3.3’-3.9’ | 1-1.2 m
30’-33' | 9.14-10 m
6,000-11,000 lb | 2,722-4,990 kg
60-70 years
Corythosaurus
530.000
120.000
1000.000
4990.000
70.00
18000
GUIDE
3D
Corythosaurus
2.8’-4.75’ | .85-1.45 m
9.4”-16.5” | 24-42 cm
9’-16’ | 2.74-4.88 m
160-220 lb | 73-100 kg
Deinonychus
145.000
42.000
488.000
100.000
99000
GUIDE
3D
Deinonychus
5.7’-7.4’ | 1.75-2.25 m
15.75”-23.6” | 40-60 cm
16’-20’ | 4.88-6.1 m
650-1,000 lb | 295-454 kg
Dilophosaurus
225.000
60.000
610.000
454.000
167000
GUIDE
3D
Dilophosaurus
26.6’-28.9’ | 8.1-8.8 m
6.1’-6.6’ | 1.85-2 m
80’-85’ | 24.4-26 m
60,000-160,000 lb | 27,215-72,575 kg
70-80 years
Diplodocus
880.000
200.000
2600.000
72575.000
80.00
240000
GUIDE
3D
Diplodocus
7.2’-11.2’ | 2.2-3.4 m
18.5”-28.3” | 47-72 cm
13’-20’ | 3.96-6.1 m
500-970 lb | 227-440 kg
10-20 years
Gallimimus
340.000
72.000
610.000
440.000
20.00
52000
GUIDE
3D
Gallimimus
11.5’-15.75’ | 3.5-4.8 m
3.9’-5.25’ | 1.2-1.6 m
29.5’-39.4’ | 9-12 m
8,000-11,000 lb | 3,629-4,990 kg
25-40 years
Iguanodon
480.000
160.000
1200.000
4990.000
40.00
85000
GUIDE
3D
Iguanodon
14.4’-19.4’ | 4.4-5.9 m
4.6’-6.6’ | 1.4-2 m
29.5’-39.4’ | 9-12 m
8,000-11,200 lb | 3,629-5,080 kg
25-30 years
Lambeosaurus
590.000
200.000
1200.000
5080.000
30.00
13000
GUIDE
3D
Lambeosaurus
8.2’-9.2’ | 2.5-2.8 m
3.3’-3.9’ | 1-1.2 m
26.2’-29.5’ | 8-9 m
5,600-10,000 lb | 2,540-4,536 kg
Maiasaura
280.000
120.000
900.000
4536.000
25000
GUIDE
3D
Maiasaura
20.3’-37.4’ | 6.2-11.4 m
5.25’-9.8’ | 1.6-3 m
49.2’-85.3’ | 15-26 m
60,000-176,000 lb | 27,216-79,832 kg
35-45 years
Mamenchisaurus
1140.000
300.000
2600.000
79832.000
45.00
15000
GUIDE
3D
Mamenchisaurus
6.4’-7.1’ | 1.95-2.15 m
19.7”-27.6” | 50-70 cm
11.5’-12.5’ | 3.5-3.8 m
220-370 lb | 100-168 kg
Ornithomimus
215.000
70.000
380.000
168.000
11000
GUIDE
3D
Ornithomimus
4.3’-7.2’ | 1.3-2.2 m
19.7”-33.5” | 50-85 cm
9.8’-16.4’ | 3-5 m
815-992 lb | 370-450 kg
Pachycephalosaurus
220.000
85.000
500.000
450.000
101000
GUIDE
3D
Pachycephalosaurus
14.4’-18.4’ | 4.4-5.6 m
3.9’-4.9’ | 1.2-1.5 m
29.5’-36’ | 9-11 m
6,000-8,000 lb | 2,722-3,629 kg
55-70 years
Parasaurolophus
560.000
150.000
1100.000
3629.000
70.00
101000
GUIDE
3D
Parasaurolophus
11.5' | 3.5 m
46' | 14 m
Plesiosaurus
350.000
1400.000
14000
GUIDE
3D
Plesiosaurus
19.7”-23.6” | 50-60 cm
13.8”-19.7” | 35-50 cm
4.9’-5.9’ | 1.5-1.8 m
350-400 lb | 159-181 kg
Protoceratops
60.000
50.000
180.000
181.000
29000
GUIDE
3D
Protoceratops
19.5' | 6 m
6' | 1.83 m
Pterodactyl
600.000
183.000
116000
GUIDE
3D
Pterodactyl
20’-25.6’ | 6.1-7.8 m (Overall)
5.25’-6.9’ | 1.6-2.1 m
46’-59’ | 14-18 m
14,100-16,300 lb | 6,400-7,400 kg
25-30 years
Spinosaurus
780.000
210.000
1800.000
7400.000
30.00
507000
GUIDE
3D
Spinosaurus
10.8’-14.8’ | 3.3-4.5 m (Overall)
3.9’-5.9’ | 1.2-1.8 m
21.3’-30’ | 6.5-9.1 m
6,800-8,400 lb | 3,100-3,800 kg
75-100 years
Stegosaurus
450.000
180.000
910.000
3800.000
100.00
392000
GUIDE
3D
Stegosaurus
7.2’-8.9’ | 2.2-2.7 m
3.6’-4.3’ | 1.1-1.3 m
16.4’-19.7’ | 5-6 m
5,400-6,000 lb | 2,450-2,722 kg
35-45 years
Styracosaurus
270.000
130.000
600.000
2722.000
45.00
39000
GUIDE
3D
Styracosaurus
1.6’-3.3’ | .5-1 m
5.9”-11.8” | 15-30 cm
3.9’-8.2’ | 1.2-2.5 m
24-49 lb | 11-22 kg
Thecodontosaurus
100.000
30.000
250.000
22.000
1500
GUIDE
3D
Thecodontosaurus
10.8’-12.5’ | 3.3-3.8 m
6.6’-7.5’ | 2-2.3 m
26.2’-29.5’ | 8-9 m
11,000-19,800 lb | 5,000-9,000 kg
40-70 years
Triceratops
380.000
230.000
900.000
9000.000
70.00
617000
GUIDE
3D
Triceratops
6.9’-8.2’ | 2.1-2.5 m
3.3’-3.9’ | 1-1.2 m
19.7’-23’ | 6-7 m
5,600-8,000 lb | 2,540-3,629 kg
20-25 years
Tuojiangosaurus
250.000
120.000
700.000
3629.000
25.00
4200
GUIDE
3D
Tuojiangosaurus
15.75’-17.7’ | 4.8-5.4 m
5.25’-6.2’ | 1.6-1.9 m
36’-40’ | 11-12.2 m
12,600-15,400 lb | 5,7000-7,000 kg
20-28 years
Tyrannosaurus | T-Rex
540.000
190.000
12200.000
7000.000
28.00
715000
GUIDE
3D
Tyrannosaurus | T-Rex
Diplodocus (Diplodocus longus)
Comparison illustration of the size of a Diplodocus to a person

The Diplodocus is a diplodocid sauropod dinosaur. The species lived at the end of the Jurassic period in what is now mid-western North America. It was first discovered in 1877 by S. W. Williston, but the generic name, a neo-Latin term for ”double beam”, was coined by Othniel Charles Marsh in 1878. ”Double beam” is in reference to the unique, double-beamed chevron bones located in the underside of the tail. With a typical sauropod shape, a long neck and tail and four study legs, the Diplodocus is one of the most easily identifiable dinosaurs.

The Diplodocus had an overall length between 80’-85’ (24.4-26 m), standing height of 26.6’-28.9’ (8.1-8.8 m), body width of 6.1’-6.6’ (1.85-2 m), and weight from 60,000-160,000 lb (27,215-72,575 kg). The typical lifespan of the Diplodocus was between 70-80 years.

Set of scaled drawings of the Diplodocus with dimensions
The Diplodocus is a diplodocid sauropod dinosaur. The species lived at the end of the Jurassic period in what is now mid-western North America. It was first discovered in 1877 by S. W. Williston, but the generic name, a neo-Latin term for ”double beam”, was coined by Othniel Charles Marsh in 1878.

The Diplodocus had an overall length between 80’-85’ (24.4-26 m), standing height of 26.6’-28.9’ (8.1-8.8 m), body width of 6.1’-6.6’ (1.85-2 m), and weight from 60,000-160,000 lb (27,215-72,575 kg). The typical lifespan of the Diplodocus was between 70-80 years.

Set of scaled drawings of the Diplodocus with dimensions
Diplodocus (Diplodocus longus)
Height:
26.6’-28.9’ | 8.1-8.8 m
Width:
6.1’-6.6’ | 1.85-2 m
Length:
80’-85’ | 24.4-26 m
Depth:
Weight:
60,000-160,000 lb | 27,215-72,575 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Diplodocus longus
Lifespan
70-80 years

Drawings include:

Diplodocus top view, side

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads

Tuojiangosaurus (Tuojiangosaurus multispinus)
Comparison illustration of the size of a Tuojiangosaurus to a person

It may be that only one specimen of Tuojiangosaurus has been found, but it has provided more than enough information about this lizard that lived during the later part of the Jurassic period. The information shows it was an herbivore and inhabited Asia though the fossil was discovered in the Sichuan province in China. It preferred terrestrial habitat and reproduced by laying eggs. It had a bulky body, a narrow, low head, and short limbs or arms. But the most identifiable feature is the backplates (tall, narrow, and triangular) running from the neck to the middle of the tail and the two spikes at each end of the tail.

The Tuojiangosaurus had an overall length between 19.7’-23’ (6-7 m), standing height of 6.9’-8.2’ (2.1-2.5 m), body width of 3.3’-3.9’ (1-1.2 m), and weight from 5,600-8,000 lb (2,540-3,629 kg). The typical lifespan of the Tuojiangosaurus was between 20-25 years.

Dimensioned series of illustrations of the Tuojiangosaurus
It may be that only one specimen of Tuojiangosaurus has been found, but it has provided more than enough information about this lizard that lived during the later part of the Jurassic period. The information shows it was an herbivore and inhabited Asia.

The Tuojiangosaurus had an overall length between 19.7’-23’ (6-7 m), standing height of 6.9’-8.2’ (2.1-2.5 m), body width of 3.3’-3.9’ (1-1.2 m), and weight from 5,600-8,000 lb (2,540-3,629 kg). The typical lifespan of the Tuojiangosaurus was between 20-25 years.

Dimensioned series of illustrations of the Tuojiangosaurus
Tuojiangosaurus (Tuojiangosaurus multispinus)
Height:
6.9’-8.2’ | 2.1-2.5 m
Width:
3.3’-3.9’ | 1-1.2 m
Length:
19.7’-23’ | 6-7 m
Depth:
Weight:
5,600-8,000 lb | 2,540-3,629 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Tuojiangosaurus multispinus
Lifespan
20-25 years

Drawings include:

Tuojiangosaurus top view, side

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads

Argentinosaurus (Argentinosaurus huinculensis)
Comparison illustration of the size of a Argentinosaurus to a person

The Argentinosaurus is a sauropod dinosaur that lived in the Late Cretaceous period in modern day Argentina. Its generic name means ”Argentine Lizard”. While only known from fragmentary remains, the Argentinosaurus is one of the largest-known land animals of all time, if not the largest. Because of the fragmentary nature of the remains, the Argentinosaurus’ interpretation is difficult, as there are multiple arguments around the position of the recovered vertebrae within the vertebral column. The first remain, a fibula, was discovered by Guillermo Heredia in 1987 on his farm in Neuquen Province, Argentina.

The Argentinosaurus had an overall length between 98’-115’ (30-35 m), standing height of 39.4’-45.9’ (12-14 m), body width of 12.5’-14.8’ (3.8-4.5 m), and weight from 110,000-220,000 lb (49,895-99,790 kg). The typical lifespan of the Argentinosaurus was between 35-45 years.

Set of scaled drawings of the Argentinosaurus with dimensions
The Argentinosaurus is a sauropod dinosaur that lived in the Late Cretaceous period in modern day Argentina. Its generic name means ”Argentine Lizard”. While only known from fragmentary remains, the Argentinosaurus is one of the largest-known land animals of all time, if not the largest.

The Argentinosaurus had an overall length between 98’-115’ (30-35 m), standing height of 39.4’-45.9’ (12-14 m), body width of 12.5’-14.8’ (3.8-4.5 m), and weight from 110,000-220,000 lb (49,895-99,790 kg). The typical lifespan of the Argentinosaurus was between 35-45 years.

Set of scaled drawings of the Argentinosaurus with dimensions
Argentinosaurus (Argentinosaurus huinculensis)
Height:
39.4’-45.9’ | 12-14 m
Width:
12.5’-14.8’ | 3.8-4.5 m
Length:
98’-115’ | 30-35 m
Depth:
Weight:
110,000-220,000 lb | 49,895-99,790 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Argentinosaurus huinculensis
Lifespan
35-45 years

Drawings include:

Argentinosaurus top view, side

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads

Brachiosaurus (Brachiosaurus altithorax)
Scale illustration of an average Brachiosaurus compared to a person and a T-Rex

Brachiosaurus (Brachiosaurus altithorax) moved in herds in much of North America about 150 million years ago. What archaeologists found about this terrestrial animal is that it was an herbivore, feeding on high foliage and extremely mobile. Evidence also shows it resembled a giraffe but was extremely large. The neck and tail were long and muscular. The trunk was large and columnar limbs were slender. However, the forelimbs were longer than the hind limbs. Other unique features were the small skull, wide muzzle, and thick jawbone, making it disproportionate. This warm-blooded dinosaur laid eggs to procreate.

The Brachiosaurus had an overall length between 59’-72.2’ (18-22 m), overall standing height of 41’-49.2’ (12.5-15 m), body width of 10.2’-12.5’ (3.1-3.8 m), and weight from 62,400-103,400 lb (28,300-46,900 kg). The typical lifespan of the Brachiosaurus was between 80-100 years.

Drawings of a Brachiosaurus from the side and front with dimensions
Brachiosaurus (Brachiosaurus altithorax) moved in herds in much of North America about 150 million years ago. What archaeologists found about this terrestrial animal is that it was an herbivore, feeding on high foliage and extremely mobile. Evidence also shows it resembled a giraffe.

The Brachiosaurus had an overall length between 59’-72.2’ (18-22 m), overall standing height of 41’-49.2’ (12.5-15 m), body width of 10.2’-12.5’ (3.1-3.8 m), and weight from 62,400-103,400 lb (28,300-46,900 kg). The typical lifespan of the Brachiosaurus was between 80-100 years.

Drawings of a Brachiosaurus from the side and front with dimensions
Brachiosaurus (Brachiosaurus altithorax)
Height:
41’-49.2’ | 12.5-15 m (Overall)
Width:
10.2’-12.5’ | 3.1-3.8 m
Length:
59’-72.2’ | 18-22 m
Depth:
Weight:
62,400-103,400 lb | 28,300-46,900 kg
Area:

Period: Late Jurassic (154-153 million years ago)

Scientific Name
Brachiosaurus altithorax
Lifespan
80-100 years

Drawings include:
Brachiosaurus side elevation, front, back, plan

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads

Stegosaurus (Stegosaurus stenops)
Size comparison drawing of the Stegosaurus compared to a person

Stegosaurus (Stegosaurus stenops) would have been easily identified by the distinctive upright kite-shaped armor on their backs and tail with spikes. Its fossils were found in Portugal and the western USA, and it is believed to be an herbivore with four legs. The hind limbs were longer than the forelimbs and the back was round. Generally, it had a heavily built profile with a tail that was held high in the air. The short neck, small head, and shape of forelimbs suggest it ate shrubs or low-lying plant matter. This animal lived about 155 million years ago.

The Stegosaurus had an overall length between 21.3’-30’ (6.5-9.1 m), overall standing height of 10.8’-14.8’ (3.3-4.5 m), body width of 3.9’-5.9’ (1.2-1.8 m), and weight from 6,800-8,400 lb (3,100-3,800 kg). The typical lifespan of the Stegosaurus was between 75-100 years.

Drawing collection illustrating the front and side of a Stegosaurus with overall dimensions
Stegosaurus (Stegosaurus stenops) would have been easily identified by the distinctive upright kite-shaped armor on their backs and tail with spikes. Its fossils were found in Portugal and the western USA, and it is believed to be an herbivore with four legs.

The Stegosaurus had an overall length between 21.3’-30’ (6.5-9.1 m), overall standing height of 10.8’-14.8’ (3.3-4.5 m), body width of 3.9’-5.9’ (1.2-1.8 m), and weight from 6,800-8,400 lb (3,100-3,800 kg). The typical lifespan of the Stegosaurus was between 75-100 years.

Drawing collection illustrating the front and side of a Stegosaurus with overall dimensions
Stegosaurus (Stegosaurus stenops)
Height:
10.8’-14.8’ | 3.3-4.5 m (Overall)
Width:
3.9’-5.9’ | 1.2-1.8 m
Length:
21.3’-30’ | 6.5-9.1 m
Depth:
Weight:
6,800-8,400 lb | 3,100-3,800 kg
Area:

Period: Late Jurassic (155-150 million years ago)

Scientific Name
Stegosaurus stenops
Lifespan
75-100 years

Drawings include:
Stegosaurus side elevation, front, back, plan

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads