(a species of owlet moth (Noctuid)) Some caterpillars, after they emerge from their egg, can increase their weight by 25,000 times.

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Dinosaurs and other extinct creatures

Dinosaurs were several types of extinct prehistoric reptile that lived 230–65 million years ago. But did they completely die out or do they live among us today in the form of birds? And could scientists recreate a T. rex from fossilised amber? Find out the answers to these and many other questions in our collection of articles, fact files and webcasts. Plus discover the secrets of other extinct species, such as the dodo and the giant sloth.

  • Dino Directory
    Dino Directory

    Which dinosaurs lived in Britain and the rest of the world? Check out our guide to over 260 dinosaurs organised by body shape, country, time or using the A-Z.

  • The head and upper body of Ida, teh fossilised early primate that lived 47 million years ago
    Ida - the clue to primate evolution?

    Ida is the best-preserved fossil primate ever to have been found.  Find out about the rainforest world she lived in and what she can tell us about our own ancestry.

  • Non-dinosaur reptiles
    Non-dinosaur reptiles

    Many ancient reptiles are often confused with dinosaurs but they do not have the physical characteristics which define a true dinosaur. Find out more about these animals.

  • Dino-birds
    Dino-birds

    Are today’s birds descendants of the dinosaurs? Explore the evidence that proved exactly that.

  • High resolution image of heterodontosaurus skull
    Big teeth for a tiny dinosaur

    A tiny dinosaur with big canine teeth shows for the first time how one of the earliest dinosaurs grew into an adult.  Watch the video.

  • Earth Lab Datasite - fossils
    Earth Lab Datasite - fossils

    Find out about fossils, minerals and rocks discovered in your local area with the Earth Lab database.

  • T.rex: the killer question quiz
    T.rex: the killer question quiz

    Take the killer question quiz and decide for yourself whether you think T.rex was a scavenger, predator or even both.

  • Virtual specimens
    Virtual specimens

    Examine our virtual specimens, from fossilised trilobites to the bizarre Anomalocaris that stalked the seas 540 million years ago.

  • Gallimimus skeleton
    Ostrich dinosaurs

    Mosts therapods were meat-eaters but ostrich dinosaurs may have been different. Museum palaeontologist Paul Barrett discusses the evidence.

  • Fungus gnat in amber
    The search for DNA in amber

    Scientists discuss the controversial debate over whether dinosaur DNA really can be extracted from the fossilized resin of ancient trees.

  • Illustration of baryonyx
    Uncovering baryonyx video - 11/01/2008 (video)

    Find out how the tools and techniques have changed in 23 years as a team from the Museum excavate a Baryonyx dinosaur.

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