How did the dinosaurs go extinct?

Dinosaurs, the magnificent creatures that once ruled the Earth, captivate our imaginations  with their immense size and unique features. However, despite their power and might, these  prehistoric giants met their end in a catastrophic series of events that shook the planet to its core.  Multiple theories have been proposed regarding how the dinosaurs went extinct, but the most widely accepted explanation is that they were wiped out by a catastrophic asteroid (a.k.a. Chicxulub) impact that caused widespread devastation. 

Around 66 million years ago, a massive asteroid approximately 10 kilometers wide struck  the Earth with a force equivalent to 10 billion atomic bombs!!! The impact created a massive crater, known as the Chicxulub crater, which is now buried beneath the Yucatan Peninsula in present-day Mexico. The “Chicxulub'” descent on planet earth triggered a chain of events that led  to widespread natural disasters such as fires, earthquakes, and tsunamis. The impact also created a  massive cloud of dust and debris that blocked out the sun, causing a dramatic drop in temperature worldwide. The combination of these effects caused a mass extinction event, wiping out most species on Earth, including the dinosaurs. 

While there have been other theories proposed for the extinction of the dinosaurs, the asteroid  impact theory remains the most widely accepted. Compelling evidence such as traces of  iridium (a rare metal found in asteroids) has been found in the rock layers that date back to the  time of the extinction. The extinction of the dinosaurs was a catastrophic event that  forever changed the course of life on Earth. While we may never fully understand the majesty and  mystery of these incredible creatures, their legacy lives on in the fossil record, reminding us of the  power and fragility of life on our planet. 

By Roy A. Arrieta