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.
Go Further
Animals
- Live animal markets in San Francisco accused of mistreatmentLive animal markets in San Francisco accused of mistreatment
- Why do animals love to bask in the sun? It's not just to stay warm.Why do animals love to bask in the sun? It's not just to stay warm.
- These mysterious moths fly at night in a straight line—but how?These mysterious moths fly at night in a straight line—but how?
- A look inside the monumental effort to save the Andean condorA look inside the monumental effort to save the Andean condor
- Never-before-seen bird hybrid surprises scientistsNever-before-seen bird hybrid surprises scientists
- USDA must now publicly report all animal welfare violationsUSDA must now publicly report all animal welfare violations
Environment
- Big changes coming for the Colorado River soon could get messyBig changes coming for the Colorado River soon could get messy
- Here are the most important places to conserve in America
- Magazine
- Feature
Here are the most important places to conserve in America - In a warming climate, we need to rethink how we conserve natureIn a warming climate, we need to rethink how we conserve nature
- How the climate bill will dramatically cut U.S. emissionsHow the climate bill will dramatically cut U.S. emissions
History & Culture
- Córdoba's mosque-cathedral showcases Spain's Muslim heritageCórdoba's mosque-cathedral showcases Spain's Muslim heritage
- These influencers are shaping a new India—one short video at a timeThese influencers are shaping a new India—one short video at a time
- Images revisit the railways that united Bengal before PartitionImages revisit the railways that united Bengal before Partition
- These border villages still struggle 75 years after PartitionThese border villages still struggle 75 years after Partition
- In 1500s Europe, masks were fashionable—and scandalousIn 1500s Europe, masks were fashionable—and scandalous
Science
- Efforts to resurrect the extinct Tasmanian tiger get a boostEfforts to resurrect the extinct Tasmanian tiger get a boost
- The science of why you have great ideas in the showerThe science of why you have great ideas in the shower
- Why smallpox vaccines fell out of use—and how that affects monkeypoxWhy smallpox vaccines fell out of use—and how that affects monkeypox
- Meet the marvelous creatures that bring soil to lifeMeet the marvelous creatures that bring soil to life
Travel
- Explore Pakistan’s wildest, most beautiful landscapesExplore Pakistan’s wildest, most beautiful landscapes
- This tiny island is the best place to dive in the CaribbeanThis tiny island is the best place to dive in the Caribbean
- Sailors, sirens, and surfers of the Basque Coast, Video Story
- Paid Content
Sailors, sirens, and surfers of the Basque Coast