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The last dinosaurs died approximately 65 million years ago. Although the cause of their
extinction is still a mystery, climatic change, diseases, changing plant communities, and
geologic events could all have played a role.
Lately, dinosaur extinction theories have been the subject of much debate and
controversy. A recent explanation, supported by many scientists, suggests that
dinosaurs died out soon after a huge meteorite crashed to Earth near the Gulf of
Mexico. A giant meteorite, they reason, could have landed with an impact that kicked up
enough dust and debris to block out sunlight for a long time leading to a deadly chain
of events. Without the sun, all the plants died; without the plants, all the plant-eaters
died; and without the plant-eaters, all the meat-eaters died. Sounds reasonable. But
there is one problem with this theory: Paleontologists have not yet been able to find
dinosaur skeletons in rocks dating to the period of impact. Some evidence even seems
to indicate that all the dinosaurs had died before the meteorite hit.
What is the answer? As paleontologists search for clues to support their theories, they
agree to disagree.
Where Did All The Dinos Go? Some Leading Theories
A big meteorite crashed into Earth, changing the climatic conditions so
dramatically that dinosaurs could not survive.
Ash and gas spewing from volcanoes suffocated many of the dinosaurs.
Diseases wiped out entire populations of dinosaurs.
Food chain imbalances lead to the starvation of the dinosaurs.
Climatology: the study of climates and investigations of its phenomena and causes
Forestry: the science of studying and managing forests and plantations, and related natural
resources
eukaryotes
Mineralogy: the study of the chemistry, crystal structure, and physical (including optical)
properties of minerals
physical processes
Organic Chemistry: the branch of chemistry dedicated to the study of the structures,
organisms
Radiology: the branch of medicine dealing with the applications of radiant energy, including x-
Seismology: the study of earthquakes and the movement of waves through the Earth
Taxonomy: the science of classification of animals and plants
Thermodynamics: the physics of energy, heat, work, entropy and the spontaneity of processes
Zoology: the study of animals