Am I right in thinking this means that dynos basically stole our long lives ? I hate them.
this post was submitted on 30 Nov 2023
72 points (98.6% liked)
Science
20921 readers
68 users here now
Subscribe to see new publications and popular science coverage of current research on your homepage
founded 7 years ago
MODERATORS
No, not exactly. Initially, it's merely a hypothesis. The article somewhat sensationalizes the professor's statements. The evolution of mammals was influenced by many factors, including the presence of other species like reptiles or dinosaurs. These species already occupied certain niches, compelling mammals to adapt in various ways, including developing shorter lifespans—a trait beneficial for evolution. It's not just the dinosaurs that are responsible, but rather the entire set of circumstances leading to human existence. The professor is attempting to pinpoint specific factors contributing to this evolutionary path.
Thanks for taking the time to respond to my half joke half confusion about who to blame haha
I guess so, they were just stepping on us and chomping us up so we had to hurry up and mature to make babies. Side effect of rapid maturation - getting dead too fast
So we ended up with a survival strategy that benefited the species but hurt the individual? Like... Swamp dragons? Guess we can be lucky we don't explode.
Exactly, we are less exciting and dangerous swamp dragons.