California's Dinosaurs: Thrilling Dino Facts for Kids to Devour
California was home to prehistoric creatures millions of years ago, as revealed by fossils found throughout the state. Dinosaur fossils, including bones, footprints, and eggs, have been uncovered, offering a glimpse into the mesozoic era. During this period, approximately 252 to 66 million years ago, numerous dinosaur species occupied California.
For young readers, here are some fascinating facts about dinosaurs:
- Dinosaurs first appeared around 252 million years ago during the Mesozoic Era.
- A fossil is the remains or traces of a plant or animal that have turned into rock.
- Paleontologists study fossils to learn about dinosaurs.
- Scientists have discovered around 700 different species of dinosaurs so far.
- Birds are descendants of feathered dinosaurs.
- Most non-flying dinosaurs went extinct around 66 million years ago, likely due to a giant asteroid impact.
To deepen the prehistoric adventure, join us for Dino Trax: Days of the Dinosaur Train, an educational event scheduled for May 31 and June 1, 2025, at the Sonoma County Children's Museum.
It's worth noting that, as of 2017, California has a state dinosaur – the Augustynolophus morrisi, or Auggie. This herbivorous Hadrosaur lived in central California around 72.1 million years ago. The first dinosaur fossil ever found in California was the Auggie, discovered in Fresno County in 1939.
Although the fossil record is less extensive compared to other parts of North America, some other dinosaur species that may have lived in California during the Mesozoic era include Aletopelta (an armored herbivore) and Albertosaurus (a carnivorous Tyrannosaurid).
Most of California's land was covered by warm, shallow waters during the Mesozoic Era. As a result, the chances of dinosaur bones being preserved as fossils were lower compared to areas that were mostly land. However, the ancient oceans that covered much of California were home to various prehistoric marine creatures.
California's prehistoric marine fauna included Shastasaurus, Californosaurus, Plesiosaurus, Mosasaurus, Plesiotylosaurus, and Plotosaurus. These marine reptiles lived millions of years ago and have left behind remarkable fossil records, shedding light on California's long-lost marine heritage.
While the age of dinosaurs and marine reptiles might have ended, their fossils hint at the incredible diversity of life in California millions of years ago. Discovering these prehistoric worlds can help ignite curiosity, ask questions, and perhaps one day, uncover the next big dinosaur discovery!
For more information, upcoming events, and our blog, please visit our website.
- Science and education are intertwined as we delve into the fascinating world of dinosaurs, with events like Dino Trax: Days of the Dinosaur Train offering hands-on learning experiences for young minds.
- It's intriguing to consider that the state dinosaur of California, the Augustynolophus morrisi, was a herbivorous Hadrosaur that roamed central California during the Mesozoic era, millions of years ago.
- Beyond the land, California's prehistoric marine fauna was rich and diverse, with creatures such as Shastasaurus, Californosaurus, and Plesiosaurus living in the ancient oceans that covered much of the state, leaving behind remarkable fossil records that serve as a testament to the diverse marine life of this long-lost era.
