The End of the Dinosaurs: What Was the End-Cretaceous Mass Extinction?

Hotly debated among scientists, the end of the dinosaurs during the Cretaceous mass extinction, gave rise to the organisms that we see today.

By Gabe Allen
Sep 1, 2022 2:00 PMJul 19, 2023 1:37 PM
Dinosaur extinction
(Credit: Denis---S/Shutterstock)

Newsletter

Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news
 

In the late Cretaceous, dinosaurs ruled the earth. They were the most diverse and widespread land animals on the planet.

“Most major terrestrial niches were occupied by dinosaurs, particularly toward the end of the Cretaceous,” says Chris Torres, an Ohio University post-doctoral researcher and paleontologist.

Dinosaurs were not monolithic. They were ferocious predators, horned mega-herbivores, feathered scavengers and pint-sized foragers.

The Cretaceous Extinction

65 million years ago, the vast majority of these ancient reptiles disappeared from the fossil record. It’s a mystery that has fascinated scientists and schoolchildren for decades (as well as school children that go on to become scientists, like Torres).

0 free articles left
Want More? Get unlimited access for as low as $1.99/month

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

0 free articlesSubscribe
Discover Magazine Logo
Want more?

Keep reading for as low as $1.99!

Subscribe

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

Stay Curious

Sign up for our weekly newsletter and unlock one more article for free.

 

View our Privacy Policy


Want more?
Keep reading for as low as $1.99!


Log In or Register

Already a subscriber?
Find my Subscription

More From Discover
Recommendations From Our Store
Shop Now
Stay Curious
Join
Our List

Sign up for our weekly science updates.

 
Subscribe
To The Magazine

Save up to 40% off the cover price when you subscribe to Discover magazine.

Copyright © 2024 Kalmbach Media Co.