Theories About the Age of Dinosaurs or The Mesozoic Era

by | Aug 2, 2023 | Botany, Environment, Prehistory | 0 comments

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Through modern scientific discoveries, people can study the ideas about the age of dinosaurs.

During childhood, children learned about the age of dinosaurs through Discovery Channel, National Geographic Channel, or even in cartoons and movies about dinosaurs. As a child, when we think about dinosaurs, we think about legendary creatures roaming the Earth before humans existed.

Thomas F. McLoughlin, author of the book, “A Guide to Pennsylvanian (Carboniferous) Age Plant Fossils of Southwest Virginia,” earned his Bachelor’s degree in Science from Morehead State University and completed his Master’s thesis in geology at Eastern Kentucky University. He worked for almost 30 years with the U.S. Department of Labor MSHA as a geologist and coal mine inspector, collecting plant fossils.

Mesozoic Era 

The Mesozoic Era, from 252.2 million to 66 million years ago, had three periods: Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous. It was necessary for plant and animal evolution, including dinosaurs. The climate was warm, continents shifted, and mass extinctions occurred, including the one that ended the dinosaurs.

The principal divisions of the Mesozoic Era 

Triassic Period

The Triassic Period, 252 to 201 million years ago, saw changes in continents, life, and climate. Pangea existed in warm, dry weather. Later, continents split, creating shallow seas for new marine life like giant reptiles and modern corals.

Jurassic Period

The Jurassic Period, 201.3 to 145 million years ago, followed the Triassic Era and preceded the Cretaceous Era. It brought changes like Pangea breaking apart, leading to new oceans and mountains. Dinosaurs, pterosaurs, birds, mammals, and insects thrived while the seas teemed with diverse life. Jurassic rock layers have valuable resources like gold, coal, and petroleum.

Cretaceous Period

From 145 to 66 million years ago, the Cretaceous Period was the last phase of the Mesozoic Era. It lasted 79 million years, and its name comes from the Latin word for “chalk.” Like the white cliffs at the Strait of Dover, the rocks from this time offer valuable information about the period because they are easily accessible and have not been deformed or eroded.

Four Theories About the Age of Dinosaurs or The Mesozoic Era

Gradualism Theory

The gradualism theory proposes that dinosaurs evolved slowly over a long period. According to this theory, dinosaurs originated from earlier reptilian ancestors and gradually adapted to various environmental changes. It suggests that dinosaurs were already present in the late Triassic Period and gradually diversified and dominated terrestrial ecosystems throughout the Mesozoic Era. This theory is supported by fossil evidence showing a gradual transition of dinosaur forms and characteristics over time.

Punctuated Equilibrium Theory

In contrast to the gradualism theory, the punctuated equilibrium theory suggests that dinosaur evolution occurred in relatively short bursts of rapid change, interspersed with long periods of stability. According to this view, major evolutionary innovations and speciation events happened during brief intervals, leading to the appearance of new dinosaur species. Fossil records also indicate rapid diversification, followed by long periods of little change, which align with the principles of punctuated equilibrium.

Catastrophism Theory

The catastrophism theory proposes that significant geological and environmental upheavals, including catastrophic events like asteroid impacts or volcanic eruptions, marked the dinosaurs’ age. These devastating events profoundly affected the evolution and extinction of dinosaurs. For instance, the Chicxulub asteroid impacts around 66 million years ago is believed to have triggered the mass devastation event that led to the demise of non-avian dinosaurs. Catastrophism theory highlights the role of sudden, catastrophic events in shaping the history of dinosaurs.

Climate-driven Evolution Theory

The climate-driven evolution theory suggests that changes in Earth’s climate played a crucial role in influencing dinosaur evolution. Fluctuations in temperature, sea levels, and atmospheric composition impacted the distribution and abundance of plant and animal species, affecting dinosaurs’ growth. The Mesozoic Era experienced significant shifts in climate, such as warmer temperatures during the Jurassic Period and more relaxed conditions during the Cretaceous Period. These changes likely influenced the distribution of dinosaur habitats and might have contributed to the rise and fall of different dinosaurs.

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