Did Dinosaurs Show Signs of Decline Before the Chicxulub Impact?
Context The statement that dinosaurs were 'declining' before the K-Pg extinction event (caused by the Chicxulub impact) is often made in documentaries and scientific literature. However, the apparent continued dominance and diversification of dinosaurs in the Late Cretaceous seems to contradict this assertion. This question explores the meaning of 'decline' in this context, examining whether this decline represents a true biodiversity loss or a more nuanced change in dinosaur populations and ecosystems. Simple Answer Decline doesn't mean dinosaurs were disappearing completely. It means some types of dinosaurs were becoming less common. Some dinosaur families might have been shrinking in size or variety. The rate of new dinosaur species appearing slowed down. The overall impact was a reduction in the dinosaur's overall ecological strength before the asteroid hit. Detailed Answer The assertion of a dinosaur decline prior to the K-Pg extinction doesn't imply a...