Dinosaurs roamed the earth millions of years ago, leaving behind a rich history of their existence in the form of fossils. The discovery of dinosaur fossils has helped scientists understand the prehistoric world and the creatures that once roamed it. Over the years, numerous fossil discoveries have been made, and some have been more groundbreaking than others. Here are the 10 best dinosaur fossil discoveries of all time.
1. Tyrannosaurus Rex
One of the most iconic and well-known dinosaurs, the Tyrannosaurus Rex, was discovered in 1902 by Barnum Brown. This massive predator, known for its razor-sharp teeth and powerful jaws, is believed to have lived around 68 million years ago.
2. Stegosaurus
Discovered in 1877 by Othniel Charles Marsh, the Stegosaurus is one of the most distinctive-looking dinosaurs, with its large bony plates running down its back. This herbivore lived around 150 million years ago during the Late Jurassic period.
3. Triceratops
Another well-known dinosaur, the Triceratops, was discovered in 1887 by John Bell Hatcher. This herbivore had a distinctive frill around its head and three horns, which it used to defend itself against predators. It lived around 68 million years ago.
4. Velociraptor
Made famous by the Jurassic Park movies, the Velociraptor was first discovered in 1923 by Peter Kaisen. This small, fast predator is believed to have lived around 75 million years ago.
5. Brachiosaurus
Discovered in 1900 by Elmer S. Riggs, the Brachiosaurus was one of the largest dinosaurs to ever walk the earth. This herbivore had a long neck and was estimated to be around 85 feet long and 45 feet tall. It lived around 150 million years ago.
6. Archaeopteryx
Discovered in 1861 by Christian Erich Hermann von Meyer, the Archaeopteryx is often referred to as the first bird. This small dinosaur had feathers and wings, and it is believed to have lived around 150 million years ago.
7. Ankylosaurus
Discovered in 1906 by Barnum Brown, the Ankylosaurus was a heavily armored dinosaur with a club-like tail. This herbivore lived around 68 million years ago.
8. Iguanodon
Discovered in 1822 by Gideon Mantell, the Iguanodon was one of the first dinosaurs to be discovered. This herbivore had a distinctive thumb spike and lived around 125 million years ago.
9. Allosaurus
Discovered in 1877 by Othniel Charles Marsh, the Allosaurus was a large carnivorous dinosaur that lived around 155 million years ago. It had a large head and sharp teeth, and it is believed to have been one of the top predators of its time.
10. Deinonychus
Discovered in 1964 by John Ostrom, the Deinonychus was a small, fast predator that is often considered the closest relative to the Velociraptor. It lived around 115 million years ago.
These dinosaur fossil discoveries have helped scientists understand the prehistoric world and the creatures that once roamed it. While these 10 are some of the most well-known and significant discoveries, there are still countless fossils waiting to be discovered and studied. Who knows what other incredible findings lie buried beneath the earth, waiting to be uncovered and shared with the world.
