How long did dinosaurs live on Earth? The length of the ‘dinosaur age’ will be revealed on this page. When the first dinosaurs emerged, and eventually went extinct, we’ll know.
We’ll also explore the dinosaurs’ geological eras on Earth during which they lived. They’re based on layers of rock that occur at different times. The Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous epochs are examples of this.
A summary of fascinating information about how long dinosaurs lived on Earth and the massive periods involved may be found towards the conclusion of the page.
How Long Were Dinosaurs On Earth?
Between 165 and 177 million years ago, dinosaurs roamed the Earth.
In the Triassic epoch, they first emerged between 243 and 231 million years ago.
About 66 million years ago, the dinosaurs went extinct. This indicates that they lived on Earth for a very long time before becoming extinct.
Dinosaurs appeared on Earth between 243 and 231 million years ago.
When you consider that modern humans (Homo sapiens) have only been around for 200,000 years, dinosaurs were very successful.
Birds are now considered dinosaurs by many scientists! Since a branch of dinosaurs started to transform into birds during the Jurassic epoch.
As a result, on this page, we are referring to non-avian dinosaurs – or ‘dinosaurs.’ All those dinosaurs that didn’t become birds were wiped out.
Let’s Talk Numbers!
A million with six zeros, such as 1,000,000, is written in figures. As a result, dinosaurs have been on Earth for 177 million years in figures.
That’s a long time!
You may be interested to hear that Earth formed 4.54 billion years ago, while we’re discussing large numbers. One billion dollars is equal to one million million dollars, or NINE zeros.
As a result, 4,540 million years ago, Earth appeared in figures.
About 3.5 billion (3,500,000,000) years ago, life started to emerge.
As a result, even dinosaurs, who lived on Earth for 177 million years, are considered newcomers in the grand scheme of things!
When Did Dinosaurs Appear on Earth?
Dinosaurs first emerged between 243 and 231 million years ago, as we previously established. They evolved from the Archosaurs, a group of reptiles.
This occurred during the Triassic epoch, which is part of the ‘geological timeline.
The Geological Timescale
Most of what we know about dinosaurs comes from clues in the rocks!
Periods of time on the geological timescale correlate to rock layers. The Triassic epoch, for example, is defined as the period when the rock in the Triassic layer was developed.
The geological timescale’s units are likewise separated into hours and minutes, as are days and years. Periods, epochs, and eras are all separate entities.
How Long Were Dinosaurs On Earth: The Mesozoic Era
The Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods are separated by the Mesozoic era, which includes dinosaurs.
During the Triassic period, dinosaurs first arose on Earth. Around the start of the Jurassic epoch, they became the dominant terrestrial creatures. Up until the end of the Cretaceous epoch, they were on Earth.
Something occurred at the end of the Cretaceous epoch that not only wiped out dinosaurs but also wiped out roughly 75% of all species on Earth!
The scientists now believe that a huge asteroid collision is the most likely explanation for the dinosaurs’ extinction.
Are Dinosaurs Really Extinct?
Dinosaurs are still around on Earth, in a strict sense. Scientists today consider birds to be dinosaurs, as we’ve seen on many of our dinosaur pages.
Animals are classified into ‘branches,’ which is the reason. Dinosaurs are still considered dinosaurs since they ‘branched off’ and evolved into birds.
As a result, dinosaurs are still alive and well, living in your back yard, instead of dying out at the end of the Cretaceous periods!
How Long Were Dinosaurs On Earth – 10 Facts
- Between 165 and 77 million years ago, dinosaurs roamed the Earth.
- Between the years 243 and 231 million years ago, dinosaurs first emerged.
- During the Triassic epoch, this occurred.
- Archosaurs were a group of reptiles that gave rise to dinosaurs.
- Layers of rock correspond to different periods in the geological timescale, such as the Triassic.
- 4.54 billion years ago (4,540,000,000 years ago in numbers), the Earth was formed.
- Life first appeared about 3.5 billion years ago on Earth.
- Humans (homo sapiens) have been on Earth for perhaps 200,000 years.
- Birds are now considered dinosaurs by many scientists, so dinosaurs are still alive.
- At the end of the Cretaceous epoch, some 66 million years ago, all non-avian dinosaurs vanished.
How Long Were Dinosaurs On Earth – Conclusion7
Dinosaurs existed on Earth for a period of between 165 and 77 million years, according to this article. We’ve also learned something about the geological time scale and how many scientists believe that dinosaurs exist as birds today.
We wish you success in your endeavors to learn more about dinosaurs on Earth.