key terms
A bony plate that forms within the skin of an animal. It acts like natural armor.
What is an osteoderm?
This reptile's name stems from the Ancient Greek words meaning smooth, rib, and tooth.
What is Liopleurodon?
I am the size of a medium to large dog. My name means "before elegant jaw".
Who is Procompsognathus?
The word Cretaceous stems from.
What is creta, Latin for "chalk"?
One of the earliest-known birds.
What is Archaeopteryx?
The single fossil specimen that scientists choose as the official example of a newly named species.
What is a holotype?
The largest sea turtle that likely went extinct due to shrinking seaways, increased oceanic infant mortality rates, higher instances of egg and hatchling predation on land, and a rapidly cooling climate.
What is Archelon?
I am a demon lizard! My fossil was found in New Mexico. I am built for agility and speed.
Who is Daemonosaurus?
The time period when mammals first appeared.
What is the late Triassic Period?
A dinosaur with an unusual combination of bird and dinosaur traits, which led to a large debate over whether it should be placed in a new genus or grouped with another species.
What is Microraptor?
The group of sharp spikes at the end of a Stegosaurian's tail.
What is a thagomizer?
A group of shark-like fish with a spiral jaw that made their teeth resemble the edge of a buzz saw.
What are Helicoprion?
I am a small stegosaur with spikes instead of plates. I lived in the late Jurrasic.
Who is Kentrosaurus?
The time period that followed the largest mass extinction event in Earth's history.
What is the Triassic Period?
The largest known flying animal, with a wingspan of 10-11 metres.
What is Quetzalcoatlus?
Fossilized animal feces.
What is a coprolite?
One of the largest snakes (12.3m in length) and capable of eating large fish to small whales, it has been found with blood vessels in its vertebrae, suggesting a fast metabolism. This has led to the hypothesis that it was on the path to becoming warm-blooded.
What is Palaeophis?
My name comes from the shape of my skull. I may be the juvenile of another favourite.
Who is Stygimoloch?
The time period where angiosperms (flowering plants) evolved and spread.
What is the Cretaceous Period?
A dinosaur fossil with feathers that was discovered in China in August 1996 in the Liaoning province.
What is Sinosauropteryx?
All the dead organisms or fossils in a given location. Sometimes called a "death assemblage".
What are thanatocoenosis?
An ancient crocodile whose bite force likely exceeded 23,000 lbs/square inch.
What is Deinousuches?
I am a large ornithopod who eats pine needles and tree leaves. I have a long head crest.
Who is Parasaurolophus?
Two geologic features famous for well-preserved fossils that were both formed during the Jurassic Period.
What are the Morrison Formation (United States) and the Solnhofen Limestone (Germany)?
The fused bone in the lower leg of birds and avian dinosaurs that helps make movement more efficient by combining ankle and foot bones into one structure.
What is Tarsometatarsus?