Visualizing the transition from dinosaurs to chickens can be challenging, but recent discoveries have provided a missing link. The key may lie in a series of significant volcanic eruptions that occurred on Earth.
A study conducted by University College London (UCL) and the University of Vigo in Spain unveiled a pivotal moment in prehistory. Some dinosaurs developed the ability to regulate their body temperature and generate internal heat, indicating they were warm-blooded like modern mammals and birds.
New research suggests that not all dinosaurs were cold-blooded like present-day reptiles. The presence of feathers in some dinosaurs hinted at their endothermic nature, but the exact emergence of warm-blooded dinosaurs, including ancestors of birds, remained unclear until now.
The transition occurred around 180 million years ago during the early Jurassic period. Intense volcanic activity led to global climate changes, prompting different dinosaur groups to adapt to varying climate conditions.
Known as the Jenkins phenomenon, this event caused global warming and plant extinction due to volcanic eruptions. This forced major dinosaur groups to evolve and develop different climate preferences.
“I was surprised by the results, especially the impact of the Jenkins event on evolutionary changes,” said Dr. Alfio Alessandro Chiarenza to BBC Science Focus.
The study, published in Current Biology, analyzed 1,000 fossils, climate models, landforms, and evolutionary trees to understand dinosaur migration patterns during the Mesozoic Era (230 million to 66 million years ago).
It was discovered that two major dinosaur groups, theropods and ornithischians, migrated to colder climates during the early Jurassic period and likely became warm-blooded. However, sauropods remained in warmer regions and were cold-blooded.
This shift to endothermic functions allowed dinosaurs to grow faster, reproduce more, and stay active longer, aiding in their survival despite environmental challenges. Researchers believe that studying dinosaur evolution in response to climate change can provide insights into the current climate crisis and its impact on biodiversity.
Understanding past global warming events is crucial for preparing for the future and preserving biodiversity on Earth.
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Source: www.sciencefocus.com
