10 Fascinating Facts About Dinosaurs And Their Time On Earth

6. The Great Extinction: The End of the Dinosaur Era

The extinction of the dinosaurs approximately 66 million years ago marks one of the most significant events in Earth's history. The prevailing theory attributes this mass extinction to a catastrophic asteroid impact near the Yucatan Peninsula, creating the Chicxulub crater. This event triggered a series of environmental changes, including massive wildfires, a "nuclear winter" effect, and acid rain, which devastated ecosystems worldwide. However, other factors, such as volcanic activity in the Deccan Traps, may have also altered the climate. Despite their extinction, dinosaurs left an indelible mark on the planet, paving the way for the rise of mammals and, eventually, humans. The study of this extinction event continues to provide valuable insights into the resilience and vulnerability of life on Earth.