The earliest dinosaurs lived around 230 million years ago after a major mass extinction event wiped out most life on Earth. They were small and not very diverse at first.
A study looked at the growth rates of bones from the earliest dinosaurs and other reptiles from that time by examining microscopic features preserved in fossils.
It found that both the earliest dinosaurs and many other reptiles at the time grew continuously at fast rates, similar to mammals and birds today rather than modern reptiles. Fast growth was likely beneficial for surviving in the aftermath of mass extinction.
Over time, dinosaurs became more diverse and abundant while crocodile-like reptiles that also survived began declining. Another extinction event further reduced the crocodile reptiles and allowed dinosaurs to dominate the landscape.
Factors like upright locomotion, efficient movement, and rapid growth all likely contributed to dinosaurs’ eventual rise to rule the world after starting out small and insignificant after the mass extinction event wiped out most life on the planet. Their fast growth provided an advantage to survive and flourish in changing conditions.
Source: theconversation
