The Extinction of Dinosaurs
How did the dinosaurs become extinct? This is a question that has
stumped scientists ever since dinosaur fossils were first discovered.
There are many theories as to how the dinosaurs became extinct. This
page presents some of the most popular theories. Keep in mind that
there is no absolutely proven theory. No one knows for certain exactly
why and how the dinosaurs became extinct.
Probably the most popular theory right now is the Asteroid Theory.
According to this theory a large asteroid or comet collided with Earth
about 65 million years ago. Scientists think that such a large
collision would throw so much dust into the air that sunlight would
not be able to shine and plants and animals would die. The dramatic
changes in climate that resulted from this huge collision were too
much for the dinosaurs. They were not able to survive.
Another theory that could explain how the dinosaurs became extinct is
volcanic activity. A huge increase in volcanic activity at around 65
millions years ago could have pumped so much ash into the air that it
blocked out the sun killing the dinosaurs.
Some scientists believe that there was a severe ice age. Throughout
Earth's history there have been many ice ages. The last one ended
about 10,000 years ago. A very severe ice age could have changed
temperatures and frozen a lot of Earth's water. The dinosaurs would
not be able live under such conditions and that is how the dinosaurs
became extinct.
It has also been suggested that disease killed off the dinosaurs. A
very deadly and contagious disease may have circulated among the
dinosaurs forcing them to become extinct.
Still yet another theory is that the Earth just gradually changed in
climate over a long time period and the dinosaurs were not able to
adapt to the cooler, dryer climate.
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