New Mexico Rock Formation Dares to Challenge the Asteroid Hypothesis on Dinosaur Extinction
A groundbreaking study published in the journal Science has thrown a wrench into our understanding of dinosaur extinction. Researchers from New Mexico State University have dated a rock formation in the San Juan basin, which reveals that dinosaurs were thriving until about 350,000 years before the devastating asteroid impact that wiped out these magnificent creatures.
The Naashoibito Member, where the youngest dinosaur fossils were found, is believed to have been formed during a period of relatively high diversity among North American dinosaurs. The study's findings suggest that the asteroid strike was not a gradual process, but rather a sudden and catastrophic event that marked the end of an era for these incredible animals.
According to Dr. Andrew Flynn, lead author of the research, "Our results show that, at least in North America, dinosaurs were not going towards extinction." The team's analysis of argon isotopes and magnetic particles within the rock formation provided a timeline that coincided with the asteroid impact, casting doubt on the idea that dinosaurs were already in decline.
The study also highlights the diversity of dinosaur species across North America during this period. While there were some commonalities, such as the presence of T-Rex-like predators, significant regional differences were observed. The team notes that these variations may have been driven by changes in climate.
However, not all experts are convinced by the findings. Prof. Michael Benton from the University of Bristol noted that the study's focus on a single location limits its scope and that there is evidence for overall declines in dinosaur diversity towards the end of the Cretaceous period.
Despite these caveats, the research represents an exciting new chapter in our understanding of dinosaur evolution and extinction. The discovery that dinosaurs were thriving until the asteroid impact serves as a poignant reminder of the complexity and beauty of life on Earth during this pivotal moment in history.
A groundbreaking study published in the journal Science has thrown a wrench into our understanding of dinosaur extinction. Researchers from New Mexico State University have dated a rock formation in the San Juan basin, which reveals that dinosaurs were thriving until about 350,000 years before the devastating asteroid impact that wiped out these magnificent creatures.
The Naashoibito Member, where the youngest dinosaur fossils were found, is believed to have been formed during a period of relatively high diversity among North American dinosaurs. The study's findings suggest that the asteroid strike was not a gradual process, but rather a sudden and catastrophic event that marked the end of an era for these incredible animals.
According to Dr. Andrew Flynn, lead author of the research, "Our results show that, at least in North America, dinosaurs were not going towards extinction." The team's analysis of argon isotopes and magnetic particles within the rock formation provided a timeline that coincided with the asteroid impact, casting doubt on the idea that dinosaurs were already in decline.
The study also highlights the diversity of dinosaur species across North America during this period. While there were some commonalities, such as the presence of T-Rex-like predators, significant regional differences were observed. The team notes that these variations may have been driven by changes in climate.
However, not all experts are convinced by the findings. Prof. Michael Benton from the University of Bristol noted that the study's focus on a single location limits its scope and that there is evidence for overall declines in dinosaur diversity towards the end of the Cretaceous period.
Despite these caveats, the research represents an exciting new chapter in our understanding of dinosaur evolution and extinction. The discovery that dinosaurs were thriving until the asteroid impact serves as a poignant reminder of the complexity and beauty of life on Earth during this pivotal moment in history.
So basically, scientists found out that dinosaurs were still alive and kicking for like 350,000 years before the massive asteroid hit them? That's wild! I always thought we knew how it went down... but now I'm wondering if maybe things were a bit more complicated than we thought. 
! Mind blown right? 
. Anyways, cool to see researchers in NM State University gettin' some love for their argon isotopes 
and magnetic particles analysis 
. But Prof Michael Benton from Bristol is all "hold up, what about regional differences?" 
. Anyway, just a thought: maybe we should start calling it the "dino-resurgence" 
? 
. I mean, can you imagine walking through a forest and seeing a T-Rex roaming free? 
It's like, we always thought of the asteroid as this big game-changer, but now it sounds like it might have been more of a speed bump for these incredible creatures 
.
. Maybe their diversity was driven by changes in climate or something... anyway, this study just shows how much we still don't know about the ancient world 
.
), but I do love that this research is making us look at our understanding of dinosaur extinction in a whole new way 
. so basically, scientists found out that dinosaurs were still alive and thriving like 350k years before the asteroid hit them! 
. and can we talk about how cool it is that there were all these different types of dinosaurs in North America back then?! 
like, t rex-like predators and all sorts of others... i'm literally hyped to learn more about this period in history 
.
! I mean, who wouldn't want to think that these massive creatures were still roaming around just 350k years before the asteroid hit? It's like, mind blown, you know? The fact that they found a rock formation with dinosaur fossils in it that's from way back when is just crazy 
. And the idea that dinosaurs weren't all dying off at the same time but had regional differences and stuff... it's like, wow, so much more complexity than I thought 
It's like we're seeing a whole new side of their story, you know? And the part about regional differences being driven by climate change? That's so cool 
! The diversity of species across North America during this time period? Insane! 
! I mean, I always thought we knew how the dinosaurs went down, but now it seems like there's so much more to it... like, what if they were just chillin' until that asteroid came along? 
. I mean, if dinosaurs were still kicking around 350k years before the whole asteroid thing went down, why should we believe the big impact was the end of them? Maybe they just got really good at hiding or something 
. And don't even get me started on the climate changes – that's just a cop-out excuse for not understanding how complex and cool these ancient creatures were 
. It's always cool to see scientists dig up new info that challenges our understanding of the past 
. The idea that dinosaurs were still around, like 350k yrs before the asteroid impact, is wild 
. Makes me wonder what their daily lives were like during that time 
. Not all experts are convinced, but hey, that's what science is all about 
– keeping us curious and on our toes 
.