*(Or, “The Last Dino Standing”)
“Max,” Jake asked one day, sprawled on the garage couch, “what was the last dinosaur? Like, right before the big asteroid wiped them out?”
Sam, as usual, chimed in before I could answer. “Does it even matter? They all went extinct anyway.”
“It matters!” Jake insisted, sitting up. “I want to know which dino was the real MVP—like, the one that outlasted all the others.”
“Well,” I said, grabbing my notebook, “it’s not like there was a single dino standing around waving goodbye to the asteroid. But we do have some clues about which ones were around at the very end.”
The Cretaceous-Paleogene Extinction
Before we get to the last dinosaurs, here’s a quick refresher on what happened:
- About 66 million years ago, a massive asteroid slammed into what is now the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico.
- The impact triggered a chain reaction—wildfires, tsunamis, and a “nuclear winter” caused by dust blocking the sun.
- Around 75% of all species went extinct, including most dinosaurs.
But not all dinosaurs. Birds, which are technically dinosaurs, survived—and so did some other species for a short time after the impact.
The Likely Last Dinosaurs
While it’s impossible to know the exact “last dinosaur,” fossils found in rocks from the very end of the Cretaceous period give us some solid candidates.
1. Triceratops
- Triceratops fossils are some of the youngest dinosaur fossils ever discovered.
- These horned herbivores were still roaming North America right before the asteroid hit.
- They probably lived in herds, which might have helped them survive a little longer.
2. Tyrannosaurus Rex
- As apex predators, T-Rexes were likely among the last carnivores standing.
- Their fossils are also found in late Cretaceous rock layers.
- Fun Fact: Some scientists think T-Rexes might have scavenged more than hunted, which could have helped them survive longer.
3. Ankylosaurus
- These armored dinosaurs were built like tanks, with clubs on their tails for defense.
- Their tough armor might have given them an edge against predators—but not against an asteroid.
4. Hadrosaurs (Duck-Billed Dinosaurs)
- Hadrosaurs like Edmontosaurus were widespread at the end of the Cretaceous.
- They were adaptable herbivores, able to thrive in various environments.
5. Smaller Theropods
- Smaller, feathered theropods—like Dromaeosaurs and Troodontids—might have been among the last non-avian dinosaurs.
- Their small size and agility could have helped them find food in the chaotic post-impact world.
Did Any Dinosaurs Survive the Asteroid?
Technically, yes—because birds are dinosaurs.
After the asteroid impact, only small, bird-like dinosaurs survived. Their ability to fly, eat a variety of foods, and adapt to changing environments helped them make it through when larger dinosaurs couldn’t.
“So basically,” Jake said, “the last dinosaurs were probably, like, bird-adjacent?”
“Pretty much,” I said.
“Cool,” Jake said, grabbing a chicken nugget. “Cheers to the survivors.”
The Fossil Evidence
Some of the youngest dinosaur fossils ever discovered come from the Hell Creek Formation in North America. This site includes remains of:
- Triceratops
- T-Rex
- Ankylosaurus
- Edmontosaurus
These fossils are found just below a thin layer of iridium—a metal that’s rare on Earth but common in asteroids. That iridium layer marks the moment the asteroid hit, making these dinos the last known species before extinction.
Jake’s Hot Take
“So the asteroid wiped them out, but birds are still here,” Jake said. “Does that mean pigeons are technically dinosaurs?”
“Yes, Jake,” I said patiently.
“And seagulls?”
“Yes, Jake.”
He nodded. “Makes sense. Seagulls are basically flying T-Rexes when you have fries.”
Sam’s Perspective
“You know what’s wild?” Sam said, flipping through my notes. “Even though dinosaurs were around for millions of years, they were wiped out in, like, the blink of an eye. It’s kind of sad.”
“Yeah,” I said, “but it also shows how resilient life is. I mean, birds are proof that dinosaurs didn’t really disappear—they just evolved.”
Field Notes From Max
- Coolest Discovery: Triceratops might have been munching leaves when the asteroid hit.
- Biggest Surprise: How quickly everything changed after the impact—it’s like hitting a reset button on the entire planet.
- What’s Next: If birds survived the asteroid, what other prehistoric creatures might have made it through?
The last dinosaurs weren’t just victims of a catastrophe—they were survivors, living right up until the end of one of Earth’s greatest eras. And their legacy is still with us today, every time we see a bird in the sky. 🦖✨
