The Triassic Reptile With "Two Faces"
PBS Eons・2 minutes read
Around 244 million years ago, Luoping County in southwestern China was part of a vast sea, showcasing marine life just 8 million years after the Great Dying. The unique fossil site in Luoping County offers insights into the recovery period post the Permian-Triassic extinction, highlighting the transition of Atopodentatus from a carnivorous to an herbivorous marine reptile.
Insights
- Atopodentatus, a marine reptile from Luoping County, China, transitioned from being initially perceived as a carnivore to being recognized as the oldest herbivorous marine reptile in the fossil record, showcasing a unique dietary shift post-extinction.
- The ecosystem of Luoping County, characterized by diverse marine life and plant growth, likely played a crucial role in driving Atopodentatus towards herbivory, highlighting niche partitioning and adaptation to post-extinction environments in the recovery period after the Permian-Triassic extinction.
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Recent questions
What is Luoping County known for?
Fossil site with unique marine life.
What is Atopodentatus?
Herbivorous marine reptile.
How did Atopodentatus' diet change?
Transitioned from carnivore to herbivore.
What adaptations aided Atopodentatus' digestion?
Possibly endosymbiotic bacteria or longer intestines.
How did Luoping County influence Atopodentatus' evolution?
Rich ecosystem with diverse marine life and plant growth.
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