The article discusses a study revealing that Archosauromorph reptiles managed to endure and traverse the harsh environmental conditions of the early Triassic period, following the Permian mass extinction that wiped out a significant percentage of life. Using a modeling system called Tardis, researchers traced the travel routes of 392 species, uncovering their broader climate adaptability than previously understood. These reptiles crossed extreme environments and geographic barriers, helping them enter new ecological niches and potentially shaping the evolutionary path that led to dinosaurs, birds, and crocodiles.
Dr. Joseph Flannery Souserland emphasizes that despite the catastrophic climate event, these ancient reptiles thrived and expanded their habitats through sustained movements, primarily from Laurasia to South Gondwana. The study integrates fossil data with climate and landscape reconstructions, suggesting that Archosauromorphs existed in areas prior to their fossil record appearance. This research highlights the importance of combining various scientific approaches to fill gaps in our understanding of evolutionary history, marking these reptiles as crucial players during the Triassic era.
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