CEFR B2 Level
Understand complext texts dealing technical and specialized topics.
Dinosaurs are some of the most fascinating creatures that ever lived on Earth. These ancient reptiles ruled the planet for over 160 million years before mysteriously disappearing around 66 million years ago. Today, scientists continue to study their bones and fossils to understand how they lived, what they ate, and why they went extinct.
Dinosaurs first appeared during the Triassic period, about 230 million years ago. They came in all shapes and sizes. Some were small and fast, like the Velociraptor, which was about the size of a turkey. Others, such as the massive Argentinosaurus, could grow up to 30 meters long and weigh over 70 tons. Some dinosaurs were meat-eaters, known as carnivores, while others were plant-eaters, called herbivores.
One of the most famous dinosaurs is the Tyrannosaurus rex. It was a powerful predator with sharp teeth and strong legs, capable of running at impressive speeds. In contrast, the gentle Brachiosaurus had a long neck, allowing it to reach leaves high up in trees.
Although dinosaurs lived millions of years ago, modern technology has allowed paleontologists to learn more about them than ever before. By studying fossils and using computer models, scientists can recreate how these animals might have moved, sounded, and even what colors they could have been.
One of the greatest mysteries about dinosaurs is why they became extinct. The most widely accepted theory is that a giant asteroid hit the Earth, causing massive fires, dust clouds, and climate changes. This event, known as the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction, wiped out about 75% of life on the planet.
Interestingly, not all dinosaurs disappeared. Birds are believed to be direct descendants of certain small dinosaurs. This means that in a way, dinosaurs are still around us today.
Dinosaurs continue to capture the imagination of people of all ages. From books and documentaries to blockbuster films, they remain symbols of ancient mystery and power. Thanks to ongoing research, we are still learning new things about them every year.
Even though they vanished long ago, dinosaurs left behind a world full of questions—and scientists are still working to answer them.