Dinosaur Origins And Meanings: Do You Know Your Dinosaurs?

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  • 1/15 Questions

    Where will you find a real skeleton of a Tyrannosaurus Rex?

    • In a zoo in Florida
    • At field museum In Chicago
    • At the circus in Miami
    • In an amusement park in Texas
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About This Quiz

Embark on a prehistoric journey with our "Dinosaur Origins and Meanings" quiz! This fascinating quiz is designed to uncover the etymology and origins behind the names of the most iconic dinosaurs that once roamed the Earth. From the fierce Tyrannosaurus Rex to the towering Brachiosaurus, each dinosaur's name carries a story that dates back millions of years.

Discover what the ancient words used to name dinosaurs to reveal about their size, habits, and the environments they lived in. Did you know that 'Velociraptor' means 'swift seizer' and 'Triceratops' means 'three-horned face'? Each question in this quiz will test your knowledge of these meanings and more, providing insights into the linguistic roots and the reasons why these magnificent creatures were named the way they were.

Dive into the depths of dinosaur lore, sharpen your knowledge of paleontology, and learn about the ancient origins of dinosaur names. Get ready to challenge yourself and enrich your understanding of these fascinating prehistoric animals!

Dinosaur Origins And Meanings: Do You Know Your Dinosaurs? - Quiz

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  • 2. 

    What does Tyrannosaurus Rex mean?

    • Big Teeth

    • Tyrant Lizard King

    • Monster Lizard

    • Friendly Dinosaur

    Correct Answer
    A. Tyrant Lizard King
    Explanation
    Tyrannosaurus Rex means "Tyrant Lizard King." This name reflects the characteristics of this dinosaur, as it was a large and powerful predator with a dominating presence. The term "tyrant" suggests its fierce and intimidating nature, while "lizard king" refers to its classification as a reptile. This name accurately portrays the dominant and fearsome nature of the Tyrannosaurus Rex.

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  • 3. 

    Before its name was changed to Apatosaurus, what did we call this dinosaur?

    • Pterodactyl

    • Brontosaurus

    • T-Rex

    • Velociraptor

    Correct Answer
    A. Brontosaurus
    Explanation
    Before it was officially recognized as Apatosaurus, this dinosaur was commonly known as Brontosaurus. The name change is a result of a long-standing mix-up in paleontology that began in the late 19th century. In 1877, the first Apatosaurus fossils were discovered, and two years later, more complete fossils were found and mistakenly classified under a new name, Brontosaurus. Later research determined that both specimens belonged to the same genus, Apatosaurus, which had naming priority as it was named first.

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  • 4. 

    What giant dinosaur was so big it was able to eat the huge Argentinosaurus?

    • Perodactyl

    • Giganotosaurus

    • Ichthyosaurus

    • Velociraptor

    Correct Answer
    A. Giganotosaurus
    Explanation
    Giganotosaurus is the correct answer because it was a giant dinosaur that was capable of eating the huge Argentinosaurus. Giganotosaurus was one of the largest carnivorous dinosaurs and had a size and strength that allowed it to prey on large herbivorous dinosaurs like the Argentinosaurus. Its large size and powerful jaws would have made it possible for Giganotosaurus to successfully hunt and consume such a massive prey.

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  • 5. 

    What meat-eating dinosaur is known for having really bad breath?

    • Archaeopteryx

    • Tyrannosaurus Rex

    • Brontosaurus

    • Brachiosaurus

    Correct Answer
    A. Tyrannosaurus Rex
    Explanation
    Tyrannosaurus Rex, a carnivorous dinosaur, is often speculated to have had really bad breath, largely due to its diet and the potential for decaying meat to be trapped in its teeth. As a top predator, T-Rex would frequently consume large amounts of raw, bloody meat, which could lead to the buildup of bacteria in its mouth. This bacteria, along with bits of rotting flesh stuck between its massive teeth, would likely contribute to very foul breath. This speculation is partly based on comparisons with modern predators and the nature of their eating habits. The other dinosaurs listed, such as Archaeopteryx, Brontosaurus, and Brachiosaurus, were not known for eating meat—Brontosaurus and Brachiosaurus were herbivores, and Archaeopteryx, though carnivorous, was much smaller and less likely to have this issue highlighted in popular discussions.

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  • 6. 

    What dinosaur is considered the first true bird?

    • Archaeopteryx

    • T-Rex

    • Triceratops

    • Diplodocus

    Correct Answer
    A. Archaeopteryx
    Explanation
    Archaeopteryx is considered the first true bird because it possesses both reptilian and avian characteristics. It had feathers, wings, and a bird-like beak, but also retained reptilian features such as teeth, a long bony tail, and claws on its wings. These characteristics make it a transitional fossil, providing evidence for the evolutionary link between dinosaurs and birds. Its discovery in the late 19th century was significant in supporting the theory of evolution and understanding the origins of birds.

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  • 7. 

    What kind of dinosaur ran on two legs?

    • Brachiosaurus

    • Triceratops

    • T-Rex

    • Pterodactyl

    Correct Answer
    A. T-Rex
    Explanation
    T-Rex, or Tyrannosaurus Rex, was a theropod dinosaur known for walking on two legs. This bipedal posture is typical of many theropods, which are characterized by their large skulls, short arms, and strong hind legs. T-Rex was one of the largest and most formidable predators of the late Cretaceous period, using its powerful legs to hunt prey and support its massive body. The other dinosaurs listed, such as Brachiosaurus and Triceratops, were primarily quadrupeds, using four legs for locomotion. Pterodactyl, although not a dinosaur but a type of flying reptile known as a pterosaur, also does not fit the description as it primarily used its wings for flight and legs for landing and takeoff.

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  • 8. 

    What is the largest dinosaur to be discovered in South America?

    • Pterodactyl

    • Velociraptor

    • Giganotosaurus

    • Brachiosaurus

    Correct Answer
    A. Giganotosaurus
    Explanation
    Giganotosaurus is the correct answer because it is known to be one of the largest dinosaurs ever discovered in South America. It lived during the Late Cretaceous period and is estimated to have been around 40 to 46 feet long and weighed up to 8 tons. Its size and weight make it larger than other dinosaurs like Pterodactyl, Velociraptor, and Brachiosaurus, which were not as large as Giganotosaurus.

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  • 9. 

    What is the nickname of the T-Rex skeleton that was discovered by Sue Hendrickson?

    • Bob

    • Tyrannosaurus Sue

    • Big Lizard

    • Eddie

    Correct Answer
    A. Tyrannosaurus Sue
    Explanation
    Tyrannosaurus Sue is the correct answer because it accurately identifies the nickname of the T-Rex skeleton discovered by Sue Hendrickson. The name "Sue" refers to the paleontologist who found the skeleton, while "Tyrannosaurus" is the species to which the skeleton belongs. Therefore, "Tyrannosaurus Sue" is the appropriate nickname for this particular T-Rex skeleton.

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  • 10. 

    What would happen when an Allosaurus lost a tooth?

    • It stopped eating.

    • It stopped growing a new tooth.

    • It grew a new tooth.

    • It would need to soften its food before eating.

    Correct Answer
    A. It grew a new tooth.
    Explanation
    When an Allosaurus lost a tooth, it grew a new one. This is a common phenomenon in many reptiles, including dinosaurs. Reptiles continuously replace their teeth throughout their lives, as they wear down or fall out. This process is known as dental replacement or tooth regeneration. Therefore, when an Allosaurus lost a tooth, it would naturally grow a new one to replace it.

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  • 11. 

    During what Era did dinosaurs become extinct?

    • Archaean Eon

    • Devonian Period

    • Mesozoic Era

    • Proterozoic Era

    Correct Answer
    A. Mesozoic Era
    Explanation
    The Mesozoic Era is the correct answer because it is widely known as the "Age of the Dinosaurs." This era, which lasted from about 252 million years ago to 66 million years ago, saw the rise and dominance of dinosaurs on Earth. It is during the Mesozoic Era that dinosaurs evolved, diversified, and eventually became extinct, most likely due to a combination of factors including a large asteroid impact and volcanic activity. Therefore, the Mesozoic Era marks the end of the dinosaur's reign on Earth.

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  • 12. 

    How much did a full-grown T-Rex weigh?

    • 500 Pounds

    • 22 Pounds

    • 100 Pounds

    • 7-8 Tons

    Correct Answer
    A. 7-8 Tons
    Explanation
    A full-grown T-Rex weighed around 7-8 tons. T-Rex was one of the largest carnivorous dinosaurs that ever existed, with a length of about 40 feet and a height of about 15 feet. Its massive size and weight were necessary to support its powerful muscles and enable it to hunt and feed on large prey.

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  • 13. 

    Which of these dinosaurs had really short front legs that looked like little arms?

    • Tyrannosaurus Rex

    • Pterodactyl

    • Velociraptor

    • Brachiosaurus

    Correct Answer
    A. Tyrannosaurus Rex
    Explanation
    Tyrannosaurus Rex is famous for its disproportionately small front legs, which appear more like little arms. Despite their small size, these arms were muscular and could have been used to grasp prey or help the dinosaur lift itself up if it were to fall. The structure of these arms, including their strong build and sharp claws, suggests they had a functional role, albeit limited compared to the massive jaws and powerful legs used for hunting. The other dinosaurs listed, such as Pterodactyl, Velociraptor, and Brachiosaurus, do not exhibit the same pronounced disparity between the sizes of their front and rear limbs as seen in T-Rex.

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  • 14. 

    Which dinosaur was the longest of them all?

    • Brachiosaurus

    • Pterodactyl

    • Triceratops

    • Diplodocus

    Correct Answer
    A. Diplodocus
    Explanation
    Diplodocus is believed to be the longest dinosaur of all time. It was a herbivorous dinosaur that lived during the Late Jurassic period. Diplodocus had a long neck and tail, reaching lengths of up to 90 feet. Its long, slender body allowed it to efficiently browse for vegetation. Its small head, with a tiny brain, was positioned high above the ground, enabling it to feed on tall trees. Diplodocus also had a whip-like tail that it could use for defense against predators. Its length, combined with its unique body structure, makes Diplodocus the most likely candidate for the longest dinosaur.

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  • 15. 

    Which of these dinosaurs had very short front legs compared to its back legs?

    • Pterodactyl

    • Triceratops

    • Velociraptor

    • Diplodocus

    Correct Answer
    A. Velociraptor
    Explanation
    Velociraptor, a member of the theropod dinosaur group, is known for having very short front legs compared to its longer and more powerful hind legs. This configuration allowed Velociraptor to be agile and quick, characteristics beneficial for a predatory lifestyle. The dinosaur's front legs were armed with sharp claws and were primarily used for grasping prey, while the longer back legs provided speed and agility during hunts. The other dinosaurs listed, such as Triceratops and Diplodocus, did not exhibit such a pronounced difference between the lengths of their front and back legs. Pterodactyl, being a flying reptile and not a dinosaur, is also not characterized by this particular limb arrangement. User

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  • Apr 17, 2024
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Apr 03, 2015
    Quiz Created by
    Cambronbill3
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