The Origins and Evolution of Dinosaurs

Where did dinosaurs first evolve? Scientists have an answer 🔗

Researchers are now proposing a surprising location for the birthplace of dinosaurs, based on the locations of the currently oldest-known dinosaur fossils, the evolutionary relationships among these early forms and Earth's geography during the Triassic Period. This locale spans the modern-day Sahara desert and Amazon rainforest regions, now separated by thousands of miles and an ocean thanks to a geological process called plate tectonics. "Our research suggests they likely originated in the low-latitude regions of Gondwana near the equator, an area that today includes northern South America and northern Africa," Heath added.

Dinosaurs are believed to have first evolved in the low-latitude regions of Gondwana, which includes parts of modern-day northern South America and northern Africa. This conclusion is based on the discovery of the oldest-known dinosaur fossils and the analysis of Earth's geography during the Triassic Period. Researchers suggest that these early dinosaurs emerged around 245-230 million years ago in a hot and dry environment, which included deserts and savannahs. While they initially played a minor role in their ecosystems, a significant extinction event about 201 million years ago allowed dinosaurs to become the dominant land vertebrates.

Dinosaurs likely originated in the equatorial regions of Gondwana.
The oldest dinosaur fossils date back to approximately 230 million years ago.
Early dinosaurs had unique traits, such as upright posture and specialized teeth for their diets.
A major extinction event helped dinosaurs to rise to dominance over other animals.

Where did dinosaurs first evolve?

Dinosaurs are believed to have first evolved in the low-latitude regions of Gondwana, specifically in areas that are now northern South America and northern Africa.

When did the earliest dinosaurs appear?

The earliest-known dinosaur fossils date back to roughly 230 million years ago, with dinosaurs likely emerging around 245-230 million years ago.

What traits made dinosaurs unique compared to other reptiles?

Dinosaurs had an upright posture with legs positioned directly beneath their bodies, specialized hips for efficient movement, and teeth adapted for specific diets, distinguishing them from other reptiles.