Dinosaurs Essay examples -- essays research papers

Just as most dinosaurs are believed to be wild and mean, most are. Unlike the wild and ferocious Tyrannosaurus Rex, the Velociraptor, is a smaller, agile dinosaur. The Brontosaurus can be found with the bigger, more gentle dinosaurs. The Tyrannosaurus Rex, Velociraptor, and Brontosaurus differ greatly in their body structure, diet, and discovery.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Tyrannosaurus Rex was a very large dinosaur. Measuring 50 feet long, the Tyrannosaurus stood over 20 feet tall. The head of the Tyrannosaurus was five feet long and filled with large teeth that were seven inches long each (Benton 125). Having a very large skull put a tremendous strain on its body, so to counterbalance its weight, the tyrannosaurus had a strong attachment of backbone to pelvis which allowed its body to pivot at its hip (Wilford 142). With its body balanced right, the Tyrannosaurus walked on two legs, and it had two very short arms.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Tyrannosaurus was one of the most feared dinosaurs. The word Tyrannosaurus means â€Å"tyrant reptile†. Since the Tyrannosaurus Rex was a meat-eater, its teeth were shaped in zig-zag form which allowed it to cut through meat like a steak knife (Benton 161). It mainly relied on its strength when catching prey. Because it could not swim, many of its prey would run for shelter into water. Also, the Tyrannosaurus Rex was able to take big breaths due to lots of lung capacity, but it tired easily and could not put up much of a chase when its prey ran. (Monatersky 287).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Tyrannosaurus Rex was an exciting discovery. It was found during the Bone Wars, a period when Paleontology was very popular and competitive. It is believed to have been discovered by Robert Plot during the 1800’s (Benton 128). The Tyrannosaurus lived during the Late Cretaceous Period (Benton 124). This dinosaur was first believed to be cold-blooded, but now many scientists believe that it was warm-blooded and possibly evolved from birds.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Although very small, the Velociraptor was very agile. The Velociraptor was six feet long and four feet tall. This dinosaur was lightly built which allowed it to run fast and jump swiftly. Unlike most dinosaurs, the Velociraptor had long arms which allowed them to be more useful (Benton 126). On the foot of the Velociraptor was a three inch claw which w... ...aves, grass, and other plants. Using its long neck, it would stretch to the top of trees and eat the leaves off the branches. The jaw muscles were very strong, and were used to strip bark off trees and to break branches (Benton 163). Its mouth was filled with 2000 teeth which were large and bowl-shaped (Wilford 84).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Many types of Brontosaurus’s have been discovered. Believed to be the first dinosaur ever discovered, a large skull and a leg were found (Wilford 86). These body parts were found in the western part of North America, and many, to this day, are still found here (â€Å"Apatasaurus† 1). Many other types of Brontosauruss have been found and are the most easily found today.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Tyrannosaurus Rex, Velociraptor, and the Brontosaurus are different in all aspects of life including body structure, diet, and discovery. The Tyrannosaurus Rex was the meanest and most brutal of all, while the Velociraptor was smart and illusive. The Brontosaurus was a more gentle dinosaur, even though it was very large. Each one of the dinosaurs discussed were very interesting and have given a large contribution to science and its understanding.