| 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 thoeries. Keep in
mind that there is no absolutely proven theory. Noone 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 desease
killed off the
dinosaurs. A very deadly and contagious desease 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. |
| There are probably other theories as to how the
dinosaurs
became extinct. One thing is for certain. All dinosaurs that we know of
are extinct. How did all the dinosaurs become extinct? Maybe one of
these theories is the right answer. However, it is difficult to explain
why all the dinosaurs died out but many other animals survived. Perhaps
one day we will know for certain how the dinosaurs became extinct.
Until then we must speculate and continue the search for the answer to
this great mystery of nature. |
