Vertebrate Paleontology
When did dinosaurs first start appearing?
Answered by
Science Channel
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Science Channel
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Although it's not clear exactly when dinosaurs came on the scene, three-toed footprints have been found dating back to late in the Early Triassic period. Actual dinosaur fossils have been found in Brazil dating back to the Middle or Late Triassic period. This was a transition period, when dinosaurs were rare and the rhynchosaurs ruled. Things started changing drastically in the middle of the Late Triassic period. Rhynchosaurs, dicynodonts and others started disappearing, and the theropod dinosaur population began increasing. By the end of the Triassic period, all archosaurs except for dinosaurs were extinct. Other important members of the fauna were the primitive crocodilians, pterosaurs, and the first mammals.
Still Curious?
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What did the Monoclonius look like?
Answered by Discovery Channel
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What did the Ultrasaurus look like?
Answered by Discovery Channel
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Which dinosaur may have been bowlegged?
Answered by Discovery Channel
