Everything we know about dinosaurs has come from fossilised remains. Since these formidable creatures died out 65 million years ago, we can only learn about them from their preserved skeletons, fossilised eggs and nests, footprints and other similar evidence. Scientists also have to make assumptions by comparing this evidence with modern animals. 

Despite the challenges, researchers over the years have been able to piece together quite a lot of fascinating things about our prehistoric friends. You can discover some of the most exciting facts at Dinosaur World Live if you’re looking for family things to do in London. The show introduces you to a range of dinosaurs all with their own intriguing stories. In the meantime, we’re sharing some of our favourite facts about the fossils that teach us about dinosaurs. 

1. Fossils aren’t the original object

While we may talk about scientists finding dinosaur skeletons, fossils are not actually the original skeletons themselves. They are made from minerals, rocks and other debris, which essentially form a copy of the original remains.

2. Fossils tell us a dinosaur’s age and how fast they grew

By carefully slicing thin sections through fossilised dinosaur bones and looking at them under a microscope, palaeontologists can determine how old a dinosaur was when it died, and how fast it grew. The process is similar to counting the rings of a tree stump.

3. Some fossils are preserved in incredible detail

Some dinosaur fossils are so beautifully preserved that they can tell us what the animal’s skin looked like. The first bit of dinosaur skin ever found was discovered here in the UK - in the seaside town of Bexhill. Other fossils show that some dinosaurs had feathers. 

4. Fossilised skeletons are rarely whole

Fossils need specific conditions to form, and the chances of finding them are pretty low. Because of this, scientists most often find collections of bones and fragments rather than a whole skeleton. In fact, the first complete dinosaur skeleton wasn’t discovered until 1958 - over 100 years after the first dino fossil was unearthed. 

5. The biggest dinosaur fossil is Argentinosaurus

The biggest dinosaur fossil was discovered in 1987 on a dig in Argentina. The creature that the bone belonged to was given the name Argentinosaurus, but few other remains of it exist. Scientists have had to calculate its size, which is an estimated 34 metres long.

6. Fossils have been found on every continent

Back when dinosaurs roamed our planet, it looked very different. The land was massed together in a huge supercontinent called Pangea, and has since drifted apart into the continents we know today. It makes sense, then, that fossils have been found everywhere from Alaska in the Arctic Circle to Antarctica. 

Discover dinosaurs for yourself

If you’re looking for family things to do in the UK with dino-mad kids, don’t miss Dinosaur World Live, which is currently on tour. Using stunning puppetry, this Olivier Award winning family theatre show takes you into a prehistoric world to meet some of the most fascinating dinosaurs - and at just 50 minutes with no interval, it’s perfect for kids aged three and up. Book your tickets today at your local venue.