91download.com supports a wide range of platforms, including YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, Instagram, Dailymotion, Reddit, Bilibili, Douyin, Xiaohongshu and Zhihu, etc. Click the download button below to parse and download the current video
Have you ever wondered what life was like immediately after the dinosaurs' reign came to a catastrophic end? While many assume the extinction of these massive reptiles would mean a safer planet for us mammals, the reality was quite the opposite. The age that followed was one where mammals, now free from the shadow of the dinosaurs, began to evolve into some of the most unique and terrifying creatures to have ever roamed the Earth. Let's delve into this fascinating period of our planet's history.
What happens when a dominant species vanishes? This is the question that framed the beginning of a new era. After the dinosaurs were wiped out by that giant asteroid, mammals, which were once relatively small and inconspicuous creatures, began to experience significant changes.
Why did these mammals grow so large, so quickly? Were they simply evolving to fill the ecological niches left by the dinosaurs? One might ponder this question as they consider the evolution of creatures like Bronto, a species that took advantage of the new environment and grew from a mere 40 pounds to a staggering 4 to 5 tons in just 16 million years.
But how did they achieve such rapid growth? Did they gradually increase in size, or was it a series of rapid bursts? Scientists studied the family tree of 276 of these 'Thunder beasts' and concluded that it was a combination of both, with a healthy dose of competition thrown in. As the smaller plant-eating mammals fought for food, the larger ones faced less competition and thus had a better chance of survival.
The story of the Thunder beasts is not unique. Consider the giant sloth-like creature that roamed North America between 50 and 60 million years ago. With its thick body and legs, this beast could stand on its hind legs, supported by its robust tail. Despite its massive size, it likely feasted on soft plants, making it less fearsome, though still an impressive sight.
But not all the giant creatures were herbivores. The Titanoboa, with its 42.7-foot body, was the largest snake ever discovered. This ancient ancestor of today's boas and anacondas thrived in the lush forests and rivers of South America, preying on fish and crocodiles. And speaking of crocodiles, the Postosuchus, a 40-foot-long creature from the dinosaur era, continued to be a formidable predator even after the dinosaurs' disappearance.
Then there was the Indricotherium, a rhino-like herbivore that stood over 15 feet tall at the shoulder and weighed as much as two African elephants. And who could forget Megalania, the massive reptile that roamed Ice Age Australia? At over 18 feet long, this creature had a bite so powerful it might have been venomous.
The skies and waters were not safe either. The elephant bird, standing almost 10 feet tall, could be found on Madagascar, while the waters housed the Liathan, a sperm whale predator, and the fearsome Megalodon shark.
So, while the end of the dinosaur era might have seemed like the beginning of a safer world, it was, in fact, the dawn of a new age of giant beasts. If you're intrigued by this tale of survival and evolution, stay tuned for more, and don't forget to share this journey into the past with your friends.
Share on Twitter Share on Facebook