Extinction: the great dying Flashcards
1
Q
how do stable carbon isotopes change during the great dying and what does this signify
A
massive decrease: signifies the release of 13C- depleted carbo into the atmosphere and thus a sharp rise of CO2
2
Q
the great dying kill mechanism
A
volcanism: Siberian traps and the thermal combustion of carboniferous period coal
3
Q
Morganucodonts
A
earliest true mammal, came about in the late triassic
4
Q
when were dinosaurs (diapsids) the dominant land animals?
A
most of the mesozoic: late triassic through cretaceous
5
Q
how are dinosaurs distinguished from other reptiles
A
- advanced mesotarsal joint
- ankle bones are fused to shin
- astragalus larger than calcanem
