The dinosaur boom in the Cretaceous

Geological Society London Special Publications, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 544(1)

Published: Oct. 25, 2023

Abstract Dinosaurs were thriving at the beginning of Cretaceous, and yet major changes had occurred across Jurassic–Cretaceous boundary. The sauropods replaced by ornithopods as dominant herbivores, which has been explained many ecological scenarios, including replacement gymnosperms angiosperms land plants. ornithischians went on to radiate substantially in mid Late with key clades (hadrosaurs, ceratopsians, ankylosaurs) specializing different feeding modes diets, reaching huge abundance faunas. New computational methods allow palaeobiologists assess aspects palaeobiology, macroecology macroevolution dinosaurs through Cretaceous testable repeatable ways. These new approaches have shed light mysteries, such whether ate flowers, why hadrosaurs so successful some theropods became larger or smaller, switched from carnivory herbivory. There are further debates around final demise dinosaurs, where regional global data suggest group was decline latter part before they finished asteroid impact.

Language: Английский

---

palaeoverse: a community-driven R package to support palaeobiological analysis

EarthArXiv (California Digital Library), Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Oct. 26, 2022

1. The open-source programming language ‘R’ has become a standard tool in the palaeobiologist’s toolkit. Its popularity within palaeobiology community continues to grow, with published articles increasingly citing usage of R and packages. However, there are currently lack agreed standards for data preparation available frameworks support implementation such standards. Consequently, workflows often unclear not reproducible, even when code is provided. Moreover, due accessibility documentation, palaeobiologists forced ‘reinvent wheel’ find solutions issues already solved by other members community.2. Here, we introduce palaeoverse, community-driven package aid exploration quantitative palaeobiological research. freely three core principles: (1) streamline analyses; (2) enhance readability; (3) improve reproducibility results. To develop these aims, assessed analytical needs broader using an online survey, addition incorporating our own experiences.3. In this work, first report findings survey which shaped development package. Subsequently, describe demonstrate functionality palaeoverse provide examples. Finally, discuss resources have made future plans project.4. palaeobiology, developed intention bringing together establish high-quality provides user-friendly platform preparing analysis well-documented transparency. improves accessibility, beneficial both review process

Language: Английский

---

The earliest Ethiopian wolf: implications for the species evolution and its future survival

Communications Biology, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 6(1)

Published: May 16, 2023

Abstract In 2017, a hemimandible (MW5-B208), corresponding to the Ethiopian wolf ( Canis simensis ), was found in stratigraphically-controlled and radio-isotopically-dated sequence of Melka Wakena paleoanthropological site-complex, on Southeastern Highlands, ~ 2300 m above sea level. The specimen is first unique Pleistocene fossil this species. Our data provide an unambiguous minimum age 1.6–1.4 Ma for species’ presence Africa constitutes empirical evidence that supports molecular interpretations. Currently, C. one most endangered carnivore species Africa. Bioclimate niche modeling applied time frame indicated by suggests lineage faced severe survival challenges past, with consecutive drastic geographic range contractions during warmer periods. These models help describe future scenarios Projections ranging from pessimistic optimistic climatic indicate significant reduction already-deteriorating territories suitable Wolf, increasing threat specie’s survival. Additionally, recovery underscores importance work outside East African Rift System research early human origins associated biodiversity continent.

Language: Английский

---

Impact of environmental barriers on temnospondyl biogeography and dispersal during the Middle–Late Triassic

Palaeontology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 67(5)

Published: Sept. 1, 2024

Abstract Temnospondyls had a remarkable worldwide distribution throughout the Triassic at time of periodic arid climates, and were stable component terrestrial ecosystems. Given postulated ancestral relationship between temnospondyls modern lissamphibians it is pertinent to recognize that group may have exhibited some degree ecological resilience adaptability. Despite this higher level plasticity, might still been susceptible environmental climate changes. Although fossil sites are distributed sporadically, we try circumvent present geographical geological biases by combining actual occurrences with conditions derived from general circulation models. Here, employ species modelling examine palaeogeographic palaeoclimatic European during transition Middle Late Triassic. The model shows different suitable areas for temnospondyl habitats give new potential insights on biogeographic patterns dispersal potential. We suggest Central Basin functioned as focal point diversification spread. Moreover, paper provides first application aids in understanding their climatic niche occupation evolution.

Language: Английский

---

The spatiotemporal distribution of Mesozoic dinosaur diversity

Biology Letters, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 20(12)

Published: Dec. 1, 2024

Much of our view on Mesozoic dinosaur diversity is obscured by biases in the fossil record. In particular, spatiotemporal sampling heterogeneity affects identification timing and geographical location radiations, recognition latitudinal gradient, as well interpretation purported extinctions, faunal turnovers their drivers, including Early Jurassic Jenkyns Event across Jurassic/Cretaceous boundary. The current distribution means it impossible to robustly determine whether these 'events' were globally synchronous geologically instantaneous or spatiotemporally staggered. Accounting for also paramount reconciling notable differences results based sampling-standardized species richness versus reconstructions diversification rates, particularly with regards lead-up Cretaceous/Paleogene mass extinction. Incorporation a greater proportion stratigraphically well-resolved dinosaurs into analyses imperative must include substantial radiation birds. Given relative rarity temporally successive, well-sampled spatial windows, remains possible that rate showed little change after clade's initial until However, better understanding underlying sampling, combined holistic approach reconstructing diversification, an important step testing this hypothesis.

Language: Английский

---