Dinosaurs ruled the world for roughly 140 million years—until they suddenly disappeared. While decades of research point to an asteroid impact at Chicxulub crater as the end of the dinosaurs' reign 66 million years ago, scientists weren't always so sure what happened to these mesmerizing creatures. Theories varied wildly throughout the twentieth century as the field of paleontology grew, but it wasn't until the 1980s that one theory emerged as a major breakthrough in the extinction mystery. Today's scientists continue to piece together the puzzle with discoveries that give us a clearer picture of what happened to the dinosaurs.
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Animals
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Environment
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- How to stop discarded face masks from polluting the planetHow to stop discarded face masks from polluting the planet
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- Once-rare Arctic lightning is now more frequent—and may reshape the regionOnce-rare Arctic lightning is now more frequent—and may reshape the region
History & Culture
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- Archaeologists discover mysterious monument hidden in plain sightArchaeologists discover mysterious monument hidden in plain sight
- Stolen in 1792, the French Blue diamond's fate puzzled historians for centuriesStolen in 1792, the French Blue diamond's fate puzzled historians for centuries
- 'Lost golden city of Luxor' discovered by archaeologists in Egypt'Lost golden city of Luxor' discovered by archaeologists in Egypt
Science
- Billions of T. rex likely roamed the Earth, paleontologists reportBillions of T. rex likely roamed the Earth, paleontologists report
- NASA Mars helicopter makes history as first vehicle to fly on another planetNASA Mars helicopter makes history as first vehicle to fly on another planet
- NASA selects SpaceX to put astronauts back on the moonNASA selects SpaceX to put astronauts back on the moon
- Pfizer says a third vaccine dose will likely be needed within 12 monthsPfizer says a third vaccine dose will likely be needed within 12 months
- What we know about the super-rare blood clots linked to the J&J vaccineWhat we know about the super-rare blood clots linked to the J&J vaccine
Travel
- What it’s like to kayak the most dangerous Great LakeWhat it’s like to kayak the most dangerous Great Lake
- Ecotourism could help the ‘Amazon of North America’ recover. Here’s how.Ecotourism could help the ‘Amazon of North America’ recover. Here’s how.
- Sylvia Earle and marine scientists work to protect our oceans’ ecosystem.
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Sylvia Earle and marine scientists work to protect our oceans’ ecosystem.