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For decades, scientists have puzzled over the origins of dinosaurs—once-living creatures that roamed Earth for millions of years. Now, groundbreaking research is shedding light on when and where these iconic reptiles first emerged.
Recent studies utilizing advanced modeling techniques suggest that the birthplace of dinosaurs was in Gondwana, a region now known for its arid landscapes. This revelation comes from analyzing fossils found in Argentina, Brazil, and Zimbabwe, which date back to 230 million years ago but show distinct differences indicating earlier evolution.
A study published in *Current Biology* highlights that the first dinosaurs likely emerged around 230 million years ago in these areas. The research also challenges previous assumptions about the climate during their evolution. Early dinosaurs adapted well to arid environments, with species like sauropods thriving in warmer climates, while theropods and ornithischians developed mechanisms to survive diverse conditions.
The discovery of silesaurids has been particularly exciting, as they bridge the gap between ornithischians—groups that include Triceratops and stegosaurs. This finding provides a clearer picture of dinosaur evolution over millions of years.
While significant progress has been made, regions like the Amazon, Congo, and Sahara remain largely unexplored for fossils, raising hopes that future discoveries could further unravel the story of dinosaurs’ origins. The ongoing quest to find the earliest clues about these ancient creatures continues to challenge our understanding and redefine their evolutionary journey.
Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/science/where-did-dinosaurs-originate-experts-trace-their-beginnings-to-ancient-equatorial-hotspots/articleshow/117619564.cms