Dinosaurs continue to fascinate kids and adults alike, not least because advances in technology mean new things are being learned about them all the time. Some amazing discoveries have been made in the past 30 years, helping scientists to understand more about dinosaur bones and what they can tell us. Here are a few facts you can impress family and friends with next time you’re searching ‘dinosaur event near me’ and booking your tickets.

1. Most dinos had lightweight bones

You’d think that dinosaurs’ bones would have to be super strong and dense to, well, hold up all that dinosaur. But in reality, many dinos had bones that were hollow and filled with air, much like today’s birds. This meant that their skeletons were lighter while still being strong - and it’s part of the reason they were able to grow so big.

2. But some dinos had dense bones

A study published in 2022 found that some dinosaurs - like Spinosaurus and Baryonyx - had denser bones that meant they could swim underwater to hunt. Lightweight bones would have made submerging tricky, so these dinos developed a more solid skeleton which helped them to fully submerge to catch their prey. It’s also thought that the legs of sauropods had dense bones to be able to support the weight of these huge creatures.

3. Broken bones were common

Recent research has found that dinosaurs often suffered broken bones. While their leg bones rarely show damage, breaks to their ribs and tail bones are surprisingly common. One dino - a Dilophosaurus - was found to have survived eight bone injuries, one of which would have made its front limb useless for weeks until it healed.

4. but they were rarely fatal

The kinds of bone injuries that dinosaurs sustained would prove fatal in humans if left untreated. But dinosaurs were remarkably resilient, being able to survive as their bones healed from breaks, bites and stress fractures. Horned dinos are even thought to have regularly fractured their own ribs during mating displays and confrontations. 

5. The longest bone belonged to Patagotitan

The longest bone ever found belongs to a Patagotitan, a type of large plant-eating dinosaur called a sauropod. The thigh bone was discovered in Argentina in 2013, and measures 2.38 metres. That’s just a bit longer than an average adult man if he stood with his arms above his head.

6. Female dinos’ bones changed when pregnant

We think of bones as being stable and consistent, but female dinosaurs’ bones changed when they were pregnant. They formed a special, calcium-rich tissue called medullary bone, which was used to help make the shells of their eggs.

Discover dinosaurs live

If you’re looking for a dinosaur adventure live on stage, don’t miss Dinosaur World Live. This dinosaur world UK production uses stunning puppetry to introduce families to some of the most fascinating prehistoric beasts, from the tiny Microraptor to the gigantic Giraffatitan. Back on tour this summer, it’s a fun-filled show that’s perfect for kids aged three and up. Book your tickets today.