Scientists once believed that dinosaurs were slow-moving, cold-blooded creatures. However, research later suggested that some dinosaurs had the ability to regulate their body temperature. The timing and process of this shift have remained a mystery—until now.
A recent study estimates that the first warm-blooded dinosaurs may have appeared around 180 million years ago. This was about halfway through the dinosaurs’ reign on Earth. Warm-blooded creatures include birds and humans. Birds are descendants of dinosaurs. These creatures maintain a constant body temperature regardless of environmental conditions. In contrast, cold-blooded animals, like reptiles, rely on external sources to regulate their temperature.
Understanding when dinosaurs developed internal temperature regulation could provide insights into their behavior, including their activity levels and social structures.
Study Findings
To determine when the first warm-blooded dinosaurs emerged, researchers analyzed over 1,000 fossils, climate models, and dinosaur family trees. They discovered that two major dinosaur groups migrated to cooler regions during the early Jurassic period. These groups include species like Tyrannosaurus rex, Velociraptor, and relatives of Triceratops. This migration suggests that these dinosaurs may have evolved the ability to maintain warmth internally. Conversely, a third group, which includes the Brontosaurus, remained in warmer regions.
This research provides a new understanding of dinosaur evolution. It raises intriguing questions about how these ancient creatures lived. It explores how they thrived in different environments.
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