Dinosaurs lived during the Mesozoic Era, which spanned from about 245 million years ago to 66 million years ago. This era is divided into three periods: the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous. Dinosaurs first appeared in the Triassic period, roughly between 243 and 233 million years ago, and they thrived until their extinction at the end of the Cretaceous period, about 66 million years ago
. In summary:
- Dinosaurs originated approximately 243-245 million years ago.
- They became extinct around 66 million years ago.
- Thus, dinosaurs existed for nearly 180 million years on Earth
