Exploring Prehistoric Dinosaur Climates
Here goes:
Discovering Prehistoric Dinosaur Climates
Dinosaurs first emerged in the mid-Triassic period, more than 200 million years ago. For the next 165 million years, dinosaurs roamed the face of the planet - until their sudden mass extinction. Scientists are still trying to determine the exact cause of the extinction. But to figure out that, we have to look back at the environment which the dinosaurs evolved in.
Temperature
Dinosaurs lived in climates which ranged from cold and dry to hot and humid. Temperatures could reach up to 39°C during the day and up to 16°C at night. This means that some kinds of dinosaurs may have been able to adapt to different temperatures. But this still doesn’t explain why some species survived while others went extinct.
Atmospheric Conditions
The atmospheric conditions during the time of the dinosaurs were quite different from today. Carbon dioxide levels were much higher, at over 1,500 parts per million. This increased the amount of heat trapped in by the Earth’s atmosphere, making it much warmer than today. This means that the climates which the dinosaurs lived in were much warmer than they are today.
Weather Patterns
The weather patterns during the time of the dinosaurs were much more extreme than today. There was even evidence of snowfall during the Triassic period. The weather systems during the time of the dinosaurs were much more unpredictable due to the lack of polar ice caps and increased amounts of CO2. This made it more difficult for the dinosaurs to adapt to ever-changing temperatures and climates.
Conclusion
By looking at the climates which the dinosaurs lived in, we can gain insight into the mass extinction event. Scientists are still trying to determine what caused the extinction, but by looking at the climates of the time, we can draw conclusions about why some species of dinosaur were able to adapt while others went extinct. With further study, we may be able to better understand the conditions which the dinosaurs evolved in and determine what caused their sudden demise.