Introduction: The Age of Dinosaurs
Dinosaurs, the prehistoric giants of the earth, lived millions of years ago during the Mesozoic Era, also known as the “Age of Dinosaurs.” They were the dominant terrestrial animals for over 160 million years, from the Late Triassic period to the end of the Cretaceous period. Dinosaurs were diverse, ranging in size from small chicken-sized creatures to colossal beasts weighing over 100 tons. They lived on every continent and in a variety of habitats, from forests to deserts to swamps.
Anatomy of Dinosaurs: Bones and Muscles
Dinosaurs were reptilian, but their anatomy differed significantly from modern-day reptiles. They had upright posture and walked on two legs, which necessitated a strong and flexible backbone. Dinosaurs also had large, powerful hind legs and relatively small front legs. Their bones were hollow and had air sacs, which made them lighter and facilitated respiration. Dinosaurs had strong muscles, particularly in their legs, to support their weight and enable movement. Some dinosaurs also had unique features, such as frills, crests, or horns, which likely served for communication, display, or defense.