- The evolution of dinosaurs, one of Earth’s most fascinating prehistoric lineages, traces back to the late Triassic Period, approximately 245–230 million years ago.
- Researchers propose that dinosaurs likely originated in the low-latitude regions of Gondwana, near the equator.
- This vast area, part of the supercontinent Pangaea, encompasses what are now northern South America and northern Africa, regions separated today by plate tectonics into the Amazon rainforest and the Sahara desert.
Relevance :GS 3(Science )
Key Evidence Supporting Gondwana’s Role:
- Oldest-Known Fossils: Early dinosaur fossils, including Eoraptor and Herrerasaurus from Argentina, Saturnalia from Brazil, and Mbiresaurus raathi from Zimbabwe, share features that suggest millions of years of prior evolution.
- Gaps in the Fossil Record: Researchers point to significant gaps in the fossil record in the modern Sahara and Amazon regions, which could potentially host the remains of even earlier dinosaurs.
The Environment in Early Gondwana:
- Dinosaurs likely emerged in harsh climates, characterized by extreme heat, dry deserts, savannah-like habitats, and some forested areas prone to seasonal wildfires.
- These regions were previously thought unsuitable for early dinosaur survival, but evidence suggests they adapted to these challenging conditions.
Evolutionary Context:
- Dinosaurs evolved from more primitive reptiles following the mass extinction at the end of the Permian Period (252 million years ago), caused by extreme volcanism.
- The sparse fossil record from equatorial Gondwana may be attributed to unfavorable conditions for fossil preservation and limited exploration due to logistical challenges in regions like the Amazon and the Sahara.
Implications:
This research not only reshapes our understanding of dinosaur origins but also underscores the potential of unexplored fossil-rich regions to fill critical gaps in Earth’s evolutionary history.
