What Do Fossil Clues Reveal About Dinosaur Extinction?
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Answer ( 1 )
Fossil clues provide valuable insights into the extinction of dinosaurs. One major clue is the presence of a layer of sediment called the K-T boundary, which separates the Cretaceous period (when dinosaurs thrived) from the Paleogene period (after their extinction). This boundary contains high levels of iridium, an element that is rare on Earth but abundant in asteroids and comets. This suggests that a large asteroid impact may have played a significant role in the extinction event.
Another fossil clue is the sudden disappearance of dinosaur fossils in rock layers above the K-T boundary. This indicates a rapid decline and eventual extinction of dinosaurs rather than a gradual decline. Additionally, evidence shows that many other species, including marine organisms and plants, also suffered mass extinctions during this time period. These findings support the theory that multiple factors, such as climate change and volcanic activity, combined with the asteroid impact to cause widespread ecological disruption and ultimately led to the demise of dinosaurs.
In summary, fossil clues reveal that dinosaur extinction was likely caused by a combination of factors, with a major asteroid impact being one of them. The sudden disappearance of dinosaur fossils after the K-T boundary suggests a rapid decline rather than a gradual one. The mass extinctions observed across various species further support this theory. By studying these fossil clues, scientists continue to gain new insights into this ancient event and its implications for life on Earth today.