• Natural Sciences -> Geology and paleontology

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Are there any surviving species today that evolved during the Mesozoic era?

Stanislaus Sones

Yes, there are a few surviving species today that evolved during the Mesozoic era. Despite the mass extinction event that wiped out about 75% of all species during the end of the era, some organisms were able to adapt and thrive in the changing environment and have survived until today.

One such species is the crocodile, which first appeared in the Mesozoic era around 84 million years ago. Interestingly, crocodiles are direct descendants of the archosaurs, a group of reptiles that also included dinosaurs and pterosaurs. While the dinosaurs and pterosaurs became extinct, crocodiles were able to survive and evolve into the crocodilian species we know today.

Another surviving species from the Mesozoic era is the coelacanth. This ancient fish was once thought to be extinct until a living specimen was discovered in 1938 off the coast of South Africa. Coelacanths are thought to have first evolved about 400 million years ago and were common during the early part of the Mesozoic era. Today, only two known species of coelacanths exist, both of which are found in the Indian Ocean.

In addition to crocodiles and coelacanths, some species of turtles and lizards also have roots that date back to the Mesozoic era. One of the most intriguing of these species is the tuatara, a reptile native to New Zealand. The tuatara belongs to a group of reptiles that diverged from the rest of the reptile lineage during the Mesozoic era and has remained largely unchanged since that time.

Of course, these species have not remained completely unchanged since the Mesozoic era. Over millions of years, these animals have evolved and adapted to their changing environments, developing new traits and behaviors that allow them to survive and thrive in a world that is vastly different from what it was millions of years ago.

Overall, it is fascinating to consider that these creatures have survived for so long and bear witness to a time long ago. Their continued survival is a testament to the power of evolution and the endurance of life itself. In the end, it is truly amazing to think that these ancient organisms still walk, swim, and fly among us today.