What is a dinosaur?

1. 1

   Tiny says

   Long, long ago, a big family of reptiles lived all over the land. A lizard's legs stick out to the sides, so it creeps along low. These reptiles stood up tall, with their legs tucked straight underneath them. That family is called the dinosaurs.

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   Checked against What are dinosaurs? (Natural History Museum)

2. 2

   Why did standing tall matter?

   Try carrying something heavy with your arms stretched out to the sides, then hold it close underneath you. Close is much easier! Legs straight under a body work the same way, like pillars holding up lots of weight. That helped some dinosaurs grow into the biggest animals ever to walk on land.

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   Checked against Why were dinosaurs so big? (Natural History Museum)

3. 3

   Why are they called dinosaurs?

   In 1842, a scientist called Richard Owen studied some huge, strange bones. He saw they belonged to a group of reptiles all their own, so he gave them a new name. Dinosaur is often said to mean terrible lizard. Owen himself called them fearfully great, which suits how big they were.

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   Checked against How dinosaurs got their name (Natural History Museum)

In Lil' Phil, reaching the bottom of this wonder earns a sticker for Tiny's collection.

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  How do we know dinosaurs were real?

  Ages 4–9Tiny
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  Are birds dinosaurs?

  Ages 4–11Tiny
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  Was a pterodactyl a dinosaur?

  Ages 4–11Tiny