Articles for category: Prehistoric Reptiles

green and brown lizard on brown wood

Snakes and Lizards of the Dinosaur Age

When we think of the Mesozoic Era—the “Age of Dinosaurs” spanning from 252 to 66 million years ago—massive dinosaurs often dominate our imagination. However, this fascinating period was also a critical time for the evolution and diversification of squamates—the reptile group that includes modern snakes and lizards. These smaller reptiles were developing remarkable adaptations and ...

selective focus photography of bird

How Crocodiles, Birds, and Turtles Survived the Asteroid that Ended the Dinosaurs

When a massive asteroid struck Earth approximately 66 million years ago, it triggered catastrophic global changes that wiped out approximately 75% of all species, including the non-avian dinosaurs that had dominated terrestrial ecosystems for over 160 million years. Yet amid this devastation, certain animal groups managed to endure and eventually thrive in the post-impact world. ...