Gondwana Land Of Dinosaurs Tore Apart Causing Mass Extinction In The Seas

Gondwana: The Breakup That Ended an Era

A New Twist on the Dinosaur Extinction Theory

The breakup of Gondwana, a supercontinent that existed during the Mesozoic Era, may have caused a mass extinction in the seas, according to a new study published in the journal Nature Geoscience. The study found that the breakup of Gondwana led to a sudden drop in sea levels, which caused the extinction of many marine species.

A Global Catastrophe

Gondwana was a supercontinent that included modern-day Africa, South America, Antarctica, Australia, and India. Around 180 million years ago, Gondwana began to break up, and the continents drifted apart. This breakup disrupted the global climate system and caused a series of extinctions on land and in the sea.

The new study found that the breakup of Gondwana had a particularly devastating effect on marine life. The study's authors estimate that as much as 50% of all marine species went extinct during this time period. The most heavily affected species were those that lived in shallow waters, such as corals and shellfish.

A New Understanding of Mass Extinction

The findings of this study provide new insights into the causes of mass extinction. Previously, scientists believed that the mass extinction at the end of the Cretaceous Period was caused by a single event, such as an asteroid impact or volcanic eruption. However, the new study suggests that mass extinctions may be caused by a combination of factors, including climate change, sea level change, and habitat loss.

The study's authors say that their findings have implications for understanding future mass extinctions. As the climate continues to change and sea levels rise, marine species may once again be at risk of extinction.

Key Points

• The breakup of Gondwana caused a mass extinction in the seas.
• The mass extinction was caused by a sudden drop in sea levels.
• The most heavily affected species were those that lived in shallow waters.
• The findings of the study provide new insights into the causes of mass extinction.
• The study's authors say that their findings have implications for understanding future mass extinctions.