The first dinosaur fossils were recognized in the early
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17th century
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18th century
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19th century
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20th century
C
Correct answer
Explanation
The first scientifically recognized dinosaur fossils were discovered in the early 19th century, specifically in the 1820s. William Buckland described Megalosaurus in 1824, and Gideon Mantell identified Iguanodon in 1825, establishing dinosaurs as a distinct group of ancient reptiles.