Because of selective forces, the dinosaurs were superbly adapted to their environments. After the dinosaurs became extinct, the small mammals that had been relatively unimportant animals in the background flourished and evolved into many new types, including the line that led to human beings. It is unlikely that these new types would have ever evolved had not the dinosaurs disappeared. If the extinction of the dinosaurs was caused by an extraterrestrial impact, did it matter how well they were adapted to their environment? What does this suggest about the starting cause in the evolutionary success of these new types of mammals?

Because of selective forces, the dinosaurs were superbly adapted to their environments. After the dinosaurs became extinct, the small mammals that had been relatively unimportant animals in the background flourished and evolved into many new types, including the line that led to human beings. It is unlikely that these new types would have ever evolved had not the dinosaurs disappeared. If the extinction of the dinosaurs was caused by an extraterrestrial impact, did it matter how well they were adapted to their environment? What does this suggest about the starting cause in the evolutionary success of these new types of mammals?

Human Biology (MindTap Course List)

11th Edition

ISBN:9781305112100

Author:Cecie Starr, Beverly McMillan

Publisher:Cecie Starr, Beverly McMillan

Chapter23: Principles Of Evolution

Section: Chapter Questions

Problem 8SQ

See similar textbooks

Similar questions

Why did ancestral mammals survive the asteroid impact while the dinosaurs did not?
A number of scientists believe that the Permian extinction was caused by huge volcanic lava flows (from the Siberian traps) that may have caused low oxygen concentrations compared to the high oxygen levels in the Permian. Does this low oxygen level after the Permian extinction make it likely that dinosaurs, especially large ones, did not evolve immediately after the Permian extinction (252 million years ago)? Why or why not?
Adaptations are physical or behavioral traits that help an organism survive in its environment. What are some of the adaptations in the evolution of hominins that allowed for the evolution of the genus Homo to evolve (eventually) into modern humans (Homo sapiens)? (Note: you don’t have to explain why these adaptations allowed the genus to evolve, just list some of the adaptations.)
Did dinosaurs and humans ever exist at the same time?
HOW MANY YEARS AGO DID THE DINOSAURS BECOME EXTINCT?
Birds are supposed to be the dinosaurs' closest relatives. List and explain five reasons why the Aves have been able to adapt (morphological traits) and survive in the ever-changing world we live into this day.
What characteristics are shared between monotremes and placental mammals but not marsupials? What would this observation lead to conclude about the order in which these animals evolved?
Based upon the mutation that your dinosaurs have, are there any environmental changes in which the mutants would be better adapted than the non-mutants? If so, which? Dinosaur type: Maiasaura Mutation: Development of web-like tissue between digits (fingers).
Some people state that the dinosaurs have not “gone extinct,” they are with us today. What evidence can be used to support this statement?
As discussed in the short film entitled: The Humans That Lived Before Us, which of the following is not associated with the Fossil remains known as “Lucy”? Group of answer choices a part of our genus a more human-like pelvis thighbone that angled inward toward the knees upright posture
How does genetic analyses of fossils help us understand human evolution better than just examining skulls?
Some scientists suggest that the Neanderthals and possibly Denisovans, never went extinct, but instead where assimilated into Homo Sapiens. What evidence would you look for to support this hypothesis?