Dinosaur Discoveries

Scientists called palaeontologists learn about dinosaurs by studying fossils. Fossil remains of dinosaurs have been found on all continents except Antarctica.

What is a fossil?
A fossil is the remains of a dead animal or plant that has been preserved in rock. Sometimes the fossil is just an imprint such as a footprint, or even an animal's dung. Fossils are generally found in rocks that were once under water. The animal or plant was first covered by mud, and over a very long time, many layers of soil or mud built up and were squeezed together. Water containing minerals seeped through the layers and changed the plant or animal remains into rock.