The last dinosaurs died out about 65 million years ago - long before humans evolved. One question that many scientists ask when studying dinosaurs is, “What were the ecosystems like all those years ago?” The world was a very different place when the likes of T-Rex stomped around, as you’ll find out if you search ‘dinosaur event near me’ and book tickets to Dinosaur World Live. Let’s find out just how Planet Earth looked when these fearsome reptiles roamed. 

The Earth was a Lot Warmer 

Just like modern ecosystems have evolved to thrive in a particular temperature range today, the dinosaurs evolved for their environment during the Mesozoic Era (about 252 to 66 million years ago).  The Earth was much warmer back then: there were no polar ice caps and sea levels were higher, creating a range of ecosystems and living environments that are significantly different from the ones we see now. 

The Jurassic Period (201-145 million years ago) was warm and humid, with vast forests, swamps and wetlands. Plants grew in abundance providing plenty of food to herbivorous dinosaurs who did not eat meat. The Cretaceous Period (145-66 million years ago) was still warm but had a little more variation in temperate, helping define different ecosystems such as coastal plains, rainforests and deserts. Flowering parts also provided new food options for the herbivores.

Types of Ecosystems 

Dinosaurs were fairly robust and able to survive in many different and interesting ecosystems that we still study today. Fossils can reveal a lot about where dinosaurs lived and what they ate. Forest ecosystems were home to herbivorous dinosaurs such as the Stegosaurus. Predators also used to hide among the plants and leaves. Other plant-eating dinosaurs lived in swampy wetlands, feasting on aquatic plants. Carnivorous dinosaurs like the Spinosaurus may have hunted fish in the swamplands.

Believe it or not, many dinosaurs such as the Protoceratops managed to survive in the heat of the desert. They adapted to extreme environments and survived without much food or water. Dinos such as the Iguanodon and the Ankylosaurus, however, preferred to live in coastal areas where food supplies, such as marine life and vegetation, were abundant. 

Dinosaurs and the Food Chain

Dinosaurs were an integral part of each ecosystem and played distinct roles in the food chain. Plant-eating herbivores munching on trees, leaves and flowering plants helped to spread seeds and allowed for certain foliage to flourish. The large theropods, on the other hand, were at the top of the food chain, hunting and eating smaller dinosaurs to survive. Their sharp teeth and claws made it easy for them to catch their prey and thrive. Omnivores such as the Oviraptor would eat both plants and small animals as well as eggs. Omnivores were able to survive in multiple environments because they were so adaptable.

If you love prehistoric beasts and are looking for ‘dinosaur attractions near me’ don’t miss Dinosaur World Live. This child-friendly, interactive stage production features life-like puppetry and helps bring all kinds of dinosaurs to life. Book one of the best dinosaur attractions in the UK today and enjoy quality time with your family.