New research suggests that the origins of the earliest dinosaurs might be hidden beneath the shifting sands of the Sahara Desert and the dense greenery of the Amazon rainforest. If fossils from these regions are unearthed, they could push the evolutionary timeline of dinosaurs beyond 230 million years, which is currently the age of the oldest known remains. These potential discoveries challenge long-standing theories that dinosaurs first emerged in the southernmost parts of Gondwana, offering a fresh perspective on their ancient beginnings.
Clues from Computer Simulations
A study published in Current Biology indicates that dinosaurs may have originated in equatorial regions of Gondwana, which once covered areas now occupied by the Sahara, the Amazon, and the Congo Basin. Researchers used advanced computer models to simulate prehistoric environmental conditions, revealing that these areas were once arid landscapes. However, gaps in the fossil record make it difficult to establish a definitive timeline. Joel Heath, a doctoral researcher at University College London (UCL), emphasized that while no fossils have been found in these regions yet, future excavations could offer groundbreaking insights.
Dinosaurs Thrived in Harsh Climates
The study also suggests that the earliest dinosaurs were small, possibly the size of chickens or medium-sized dogs, and adapted to thrive in extreme desert-like environments. Unlike the towering giants that came later, these early species may have been well-suited to hot, dry conditions. Philip Mannion, a paleobiologist at UCL, explained that while some dinosaurs—such as sauropods—continued to prefer warm climates, others evolved mechanisms like heat generation to survive in colder regions. This adaptation played a crucial role in their survival and eventual dominance.
Rewriting Dinosaur History
If future excavations in the Sahara and Amazon yield fossil evidence supporting this theory, scientists may need to revise the timeline and geographic origin of dinosaurs. The findings highlight the importance of exploring previously overlooked regions, as they could hold the missing links to one of Earth’s greatest evolutionary stories. With further research and fieldwork, paleontologists may soon uncover fossils that reshape our understanding of how and where dinosaurs first appeared.
