Final answer:
Ankylosaurids, armored dinosaurs from the Cretaceous Period, are known to have existed in North America, Europe, and Asia, not limited to just one of these locations. These dinosaurs thrived during a period characterized by a warm climate and were part of various ecosystems until their extinction at the end of the Cretaceous.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ankylosaurids were a group of armored dinosaurs known for their heavy plates and clubbed tails. These prehistoric creatures lived during the Cretaceous Period, which spans from about 145 to 66 million years ago. When examining the distribution of ankylosaurid fossils, it becomes apparent that they were indeed present on multiple continents. Ankylosaurids are known not only from North America but also from Europe and Asia. Thus, the correct answer to the question 'Ankylosaurids are known only from the Cretaceous of _____________.' would be C: North America, Europe, and Asia.
Dinosaurs, including ankylosaurids, reached their peak during the Cretaceous period. This era was characterized by a warm climate without ice at the poles, and it concluded with the Cretaceous-Tertiary extinction, which marked the end of the age of dinosaurs. The collapse of these magnificent reptiles was ushered in by environmental cataclysms such as the impact of a large asteroid and massive volcanic activity which altered the Earth's climate and ecosystems.