Early Mammals Diversified A Long Time Before The K-Pg Extinction

[Anchiornis]

According to this recent study, the popular belief that mammals diversified after the extinction that killed the non-avian dinosaurs is incorrect; mammals diversified in the shadow of the dinos long before the extinction, and actually had a drop in diversity after it. The reason for this diversification was the evolution of angiosperms (flowering plants), which provided mammals with new food sources.

Research paper:

http://rspb.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/283/1832/20160256

Simplified version:

http://www.sci-news.com/paleontology/early-mammals-diversification-03931.html

Edited June 9, 2016 by Anchiornis

[doushantuo]

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/280218957_Evidence_for_a_Mid-Jurassic_Adaptive_Radiation_in_Mammals