Dinosaurs Crossword

Travel back in time with clues about the creatures that once ruled the Earth.

Across

Last period before the mass extinction
Meat-eating animal
Middle period when many large dinosaurs lived
No longer existing as a species
Preserved remains of ancient life

Down

Animal that eats only plants
First period of the Mesozoic Era
Complete set of bones
Animal that hunts other animals
Fast, intelligent predatory dinosaur

About Dinosaurs

Dinosaurs were a diverse group of reptiles that dominated Earth for over 160 million years during the Mesozoic Era. Their fossils have been found on every continent, and studying them helps scientists understand evolution, extinction, and Earth's history.

Dinosaurs Vocabulary

This crossword covers paleontology vocabulary through clues about geologic time periods (TRIASSIC, JURASSIC, CRETACEOUS), dinosaur characteristics (HERBIVORE, CARNIVORE, PREDATOR), and the science of fossil discovery (FOSSIL, EXTINCT, EXCAVATE).

How to Use This Crossword in Class

Use this crossword to kick off a paleontology unit. The clues introduce key concepts students will explore in greater depth. After completing it, have students pick one dinosaur to research and present, using the vocabulary from the puzzle in their presentation.

Printable Dinosaurs Crossword Worksheet

Click the Print Worksheet button to print this dinosaurs crossword. The printable version includes the grid and clues, perfect for classroom handouts or homework.

Copy and Customize This Crossword

Want to change the words, edit the clues, or adjust the appearance? Click Copy & Edit to save a copy of this puzzle to your account and open it in the crossword maker. From there you can add or remove words, rewrite any clue, choose a background color or pattern, and save your modified version with its own shareable link. Signing in or creating a free account is required to copy a puzzle.