Dinosaur classification is the way that scientists determine what are dinosaurs, and how to group them. Scientists use some basic rules to decide which ancient creatures are dinosaurs. The rules are:
- Dinosaurs lived between 250-65 million years ago.
- They lived on land.
- They had straight legs tucked underneath their bodies.
- They were reptiles.
One main type of classification is the shape of their hip joints. Dinosaurs with pelvic hips (like lizards) are called Saurischia. The second group, Ornithischia, are those with hip bones more like birds.
Dinosaur Types
Click on them to find out more...