Definition of a Dinosaur
19th century British paleontologist biologist Richard Owen, was the first scientist to notice similarities in the skeletal structure of fossils such as Megalosaurus and Iguanodon. Previously believed to be mega crocodiles or iguanas, Owen argued they belonged to their own distinctive sub-order of Saurian Reptiles, and suggested the name "Dinosauria”—the terrible lizards.
As each new discovery is unearthed and more is learned, paleontologists are finding it harder and harder to define what exactly makes a dinosaur.
