KOMPAS.com – Dinosaurs are a group of reptiles that dominated the land before humans contacted the earth. However, Do you know How did dinosaurs appear on earth? Dinosaurs first appeared in the Mesozoic or Middle Ages.
When dinosaurs appeared on earth
Reported from Natural History Museum, dinosaurs first appeared on period trias Mesozoic era, to be precise about 252 to 201 million years ago.
At that time the earth had experienced a mass extinction known as the Permian extinction.
Scientists predict first dinosaur appeared in South America. However, at that time the earth was still a large plain (before the oceans were formed) and was called Pangea.
Read also: The Process of Formation of the Earth’s Surface According to the Theory of Continental Float
It is known that dinosaurs were the result of the evolution of archosaurs, reptiles that shared a common ancestor with aves and crocodiles.
Reported from Live Sciencearchosaurs evolved by having an upright posture and legs under their bodies (rather than sideways like reptiles).
Evolution also shaped archosaurs into dinosaurs that had forelimbs, large and strong leg and neck muscles, long tails, and additional hip bones.
This allows dinosaurs to move freely and quickly, as well as perform efficient maneuvers.
The state of the earth in the triassic period was relatively dry, hot, and did not have a layer of ice. This situation developed the first dinosaurs with skin and kidneys that could maintain body fluid levels.
Read also: Dinosaur Facts: The Biggest Dinosaur to the Most Terrible Dinosaur
The first dinosaur to appear
Were the dinosaurs the first to appear on earth? For decades, scientists have believed that the first dinosaurs were Eoraptor which is thought to have appeared about 231 million years ago.
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