Foreign Media: Chinese Scientists Reveal How Climate Change Promoted Biodiversity in the Jurassic Period of East Asia
A new study by Chinese scientists reveals that a climate shift about 167 million years ago greatly promoted the biodiversity of the Yanshao Biota in East Asia. The Yanshao Biota is well-preserved, containing early mammals capable of gliding and swimming, as well as dinosaur fossils that reveal the origin of birds.
The research led by a team from the Chinese Academy of Sciences analyzed sediments, pollen records, and carbon isotopes from the Beipiao and Xiayuan Basin. They found that between approximately 167 million and 165.5 million years ago, the region's climate changed from humid to semi-humid, with annual rainfall decreasing from over 1000 mm to below 750 mm, leading to a reduction in coal deposits and vegetation shifting from primarily ferns to plants similar to conifers.
This climate change, combined with geological tectonic activity, transformed the area from a wet river-lake system into a seasonal plain. These diverse habitats created new ecological niches, prompting species to evolve in isolation, resulting in an astonishing level of biodiversity. For example, early mammals developed gliding and digging behaviors, while dinosaurs like Microraptor evolved feathers, suggesting the origin of flight.
This study not only reveals how ancient climates shaped life but also provides insights into understanding how current ecosystems respond to environmental changes.
Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1836594897944776/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author himself.