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Dinosaur

A group of reptiles defined in 1842 by Richard Owen, characterized by their enormous size and distinct leg structure.

Dinosaurs

Greek for 'terrible lizard'; they share common ancestors and include species like Megalosaurus, Iguanodon, and Hylaeosaurus.

Binomial nomenclature

The formal system of naming organisms, consisting of the genus and species (e.g., Tyrannosaurus rex).

Clade

A grouping of organisms that share a common evolutionary ancestor.

Synapomorphy

A derived trait shared by species, indicating a common ancestor.

Empirical

Information that can be recognized through the senses, essential in the scientific method.

Morphology

The study of the physical structures and forms of organisms.

Hypothesis

A proposed explanation for a set of observations in the natural world.

Theory

An explanation about aspects of the natural world that has been repeatedly tested and confirmed.

Fossil

The preserved remains of a prehistoric organism.

Body Fossil

The physical remains of an organism, often found as fragmented or damaged.

Trace Fossil

Evidence of an organism's activity, such as footprints or feces, rather than the organism itself.

Peer review

A process used in scientific journals where articles are evaluated by multiple scientists before publication.

Sedimentation

The process of laying down dirt and mud that eventually turns into layers of rock.

Erosion

The weathering of rock by wind and water.

Biostratigraphy

Dating rocks based on their fossil content.

Index fossils

Fossils from organisms that were widespread but existed for a relatively short geological timeframe.

Geoarchaeology

The study of the relationship between geology and archaeological remains.

Natural selection

The process through which populations become better adapted to their environment via the preservation of favorable traits.

Paleontology

The branch of science concerned with the discovery, collection, and preservation of fossils.

Lithostratigraphy

The dating of rocks based on their order and mineral composition.

Fenestra

Holes in the skull that are believed to allow for lighter skull structures in dinosaurs.

Acetabulum

A hole in the pelvis allowing for an upright stance in dinosaurs.

Carnotaurus

A dinosaur whose name means 'flesh bull' in Greek.

Paleoclimatology

The study of past climates using geological data.

Tillite

A type of sedimentary rock formed by glacial deposition.