How Did Dinosaurs Go Extinct? The Asteroid Theory Explained
How Did Dinosaurs Go Extinct?
The extinction of the dinosaurs is one of the most fascinating mysteries in paleontology. After dominating Earth for over 160 million years, these magnificent creatures vanished in a geological instant.
The Asteroid Impact
Around 66 million years ago, a massive asteroid approximately 10 kilometers (6 miles) wide struck the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico. This impact created the Chicxulub crater and triggered a chain of catastrophic events:
Immediate Effects
- Impact Energy: Released energy equivalent to billions of atomic bombs
- Mega-Tsunamis: Waves hundreds of meters high devastated coastlines
- Earthquakes: Magnitude 10+ earthquakes shook the entire planet
Long-Term Consequences
- Impact Winter: Dust and debris blocked sunlight for years
- Temperature Drop: Global temperatures plummeted
- Food Chain Collapse: Plants died, then herbivores, then carnivores
What Survived?
Not everything went extinct. Small mammals, some birds (descendants of dinosaurs), crocodiles, and many marine creatures survived. Their smaller size and ability to burrow or hide helped them endure the harsh conditions.
The Evidence
Scientists have found a layer of iridium (rare on Earth but common in asteroids) in rock formations worldwide, dating precisely to 66 million years ago. This “K-Pg boundary” marks the end of the dinosaur era.
Conclusion: While the asteroid impact was the primary cause, volcanic activity and climate change may have also contributed to the mass extinction event that ended the age of dinosaurs.