When it comes to dinosaurs it’s easy to think that all different species lived at the same time. But the truth is that dinosaurs roamed Earth for approximately 165-177 million years, existing through three distinct periods of the Mesozoic era. The Triassic Period came first, then the Jurassic Period and then the Cretaceous Period  and different dinosaurs lived during these times. But what were the last known dinosaurs to exist? Let’s delve deeper.

The Cretaceous Period Explained

The mass extinction event which killed most dinosaurs took place at the end of the Cretaceous period around 66 million years ago, ending the Mesozoic era. This event was so significant that all non-avian dinosaurs disappeared from the face of the earth, leaving only fossilised bones, footprints and other evidence behind. Some dinosaurs survived much closer to the event than others, so here’s a rundown on some of the last known dinosaurs to exist.

Tyrannosaurus Rex

Whether you go walking with dinosaurs live theatre performance, read books or watch TV shows, you’ll know about T-rex. A huge and fearsome predator, this dinosaur is one of the most famous. The T-rex is known to have been one of the last surviving dinosaur species in existence in the Late Cretaceous period (about 68 to 66 million years ago), when the mass extinction event occurred. This formidable and ferocious dinosaur lived in what is now North America. 

Triceratops 

Defined by its three horns and large frill, the triceratops is one of the most famous herbivores of the Late Cretaceous period. Also inhabiting what is now North America, it’s thought that triceratops came into contact with T-rex fairly regularly. Fossils have been found that indicate the two dinosaurs sometimes came to blows as triceratops fended off attacks from hungry tyrannosaurs. 

Ankylosaurus 

Well-known for its heavily armoured body and club-like tail, ankylosaurus was a large and slow moving dinosaur that spent its days munching on plants. It too lived in what is now North America, and would have roamed alongside triceratops and T-rex in the Late Cretaceous period. It’s thought this well-protected dinosaur didn’t typically have much to fear from a T-rex, since a blow from its tail could break bone. Like its fellow dinosaurs, ankylosaurus was wiped out by an asteroid that collided with earth in modern Mexico, causing huge tidal waves, debris and fires. 

Deinocheirus

The lesser-known deinocheirus (pronounced DINE-oh-KIRE-us) was a dinosaur living in Mongolia at the time of the mass extinction event. A large and bizarre-looking beast, it was a little like something out of a fantasy, with huge, clawed hands, a beaked head like a duck, and a hump like a camel. It’s thought to have been omnivorous (eating both meat and plants).

If you love dinosaur facts and want to learn more about these fascinating beasts, don’t miss the walking with dinosaurs theatre show, Dinosaur World Live, which is currently touring the UK. Featuring incredible puppetry and packed with fun facts, it’s among the top family things to do in the UK. With interactive activity too, this is a great way to let your kids’ imagination come to life.