Dinosaur fossils can be found around the world.
Dinosaur . Using fossil evidence , paleontologists have identified over 500 distinct genera and more than 1,000 different species of non-avian dinosaurs . Dinosaurs are represented on every continent by both extant species ( birds ) and fossil remains . Since the first dinosaur fossils were recognized in the early 19th century , mounted fossil dinosaur skeletons have been major attractions at museums around the world , and dinosaurs have become an enduring part of world culture . Dinosaur egg . In 1859 , the first scientifically documented dinosaur egg fossils were discovered in France by Jean-Jacques Poech , although they were mistaken for giant bird eggs .