• Question: how long could a dinosaur live?

    Asked by beth.nicholls to Angela, Claire, Ian, Robert, Sarah on 13 Nov 2014.
    • Photo: Angela Stokes

      Angela Stokes answered on 13 Nov 2014:

      Hi _bethnicholls_
      Scientists can only estimate the lifespan, and they do this in part by looking at the size of the animal and it’s metabolism. It is also possible in the case of dinosaurs to look at modern reptiles such as common alligator which lives about 66 years and or tortoises who can live 150 years. Based on those data it is estimated that dinosaurs lived between 75 and 300 years.

Comments

  • Photo: 358chea24

    358chea24 commented on :

    Dinosaurs could probably live for a very long time. The only thing that could shorten their life is the weather. If the weather was very cold, then food would be quite limited as other animals would be hibernating. However, if the weather was hot, then food wouldn’t be as limited because most animals would be out hunting for food.