Science: The Dinosaur Riddle

What caused the mysterious extinction of the mighty dinosaur some 70 million years ago? Scientists have offered a lengthy catalogue of explanations, ranging from the inadequacy of the dinosaur's brainpower in the face of the earth's changing environment to a burst of lethal radiation from a nearby exploding star. Now a pair of experts have offered some other solutions to the old puzzle:

> Writing in Nature, Robert T. Bakker of Harvard's Museum of Comparative Zoology argues that unlike other reptiles, dinosaurs were probably warm-blooded creatures, like most birds and mammals. He cites, among other arguments, anatomical evidence that some dinosaurs may...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!