Asteroid Impact: The Real Reason Dinosaurs Went Extinct

blockchain Recent research challenges the long-held belief that dinosaurs were on the brink of extinction before a catastrophic asteroid impact occurred about 66 million years ago. Instead, scientists suggest that these magnificent creatures were actually flourishing until the event that led to their demise, except for their avian descendants.

Approximately 66 million years ago, during the late Cretaceous period, a massive asteroid collided with Earth, instigating a mass extinction event that eradicated nearly all dinosaur species. This event is often cited as the primary reason for their extinction, but some experts previously argued that dinosaurs were already experiencing a decline prior to the impact.

A fresh study led by Dr. Andrew Flynn from New Mexico State University sheds light on this debate, suggesting that the dinosaurs were thriving right up until the asteroid struck. Flynn and his team focused on dating a specific rock formation known as the Naashoibito Member located in the San Juan Basin of New Mexico.

Asteroid Impact: The Real Reason Dinosaurs Went Extinct The researchers employed two distinct methods to determine the age of this rock unit. The first technique involved analyzing the ratio of two argon isotopes found within the crystals of the rock, providing a maximum age for its formation. The second approach examined the alignment of magnetic particles embedded in the rock, which reflects the orientation of Earth’s magnetic field at the time of its deposition.

According to Flynn, the results indicate that the section of the Naashoibito Member where the youngest dinosaur fossils were discovered formed no more than 350,000 years before the mass extinction event occurred. Flynn stated, “These are the very last dinosaurs in southern North America.” This new information contradicts the narrative that dinosaurs were in decline, suggesting instead that they were quite diverse and thriving just before their extinction.

Harnessing Innovation: Transform Ideas into Real Change The study's findings imply that the diversity of dinosaurs during this time was more robust than previously recognized. Dr. Flynn noted that there was not a uniform North American dinosaur fauna that made them particularly vulnerable to extinction. While certain species, such as the formidable Tyrannosaurus rex, were present in both northern and southern regions of North America, significant differences existed between the two areas.

Professor Steve Brusatte, a co-author of the study from the University of Edinburgh, elaborated on the distinct dinosaur species found in different regions. He pointed out that “in the north, there were lots of horned triceratops and standard duck-billed dinosaurs like edmontosaurus. But in the south, there were duck-bills with elaborate crests and, most striking of all, there were enormous long-necked sauropods.” One of these sauropods, known as alamosaurus, reached lengths of nearly 30 meters (100 feet) and weighed more than a Boeing 737.

https://coinzn.org/ Brusatte emphasized that there is no evidence indicating that dinosaurs were facing any significant challenges, unusual circumstances, or long-term decline prior to the asteroid impact. Instead, the perception that dinosaur diversity was diminishing could stem from the scarcity of exposed rock formations and fossils from the end of the Cretaceous period compared to earlier times.

This groundbreaking research provides a new perspective on the extinction of dinosaurs, suggesting they were thriving right up until the moment the asteroid struck. The findings highlight the importance of continued research and the need to reassess our understanding of dinosaur evolution and biology. As we delve deeper into the fossil record, we may uncover even more insights into the lives of these incredible creatures and the factors that ultimately led to their extinction.