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An international team of paleontologists from the State Museum of Natural History in Stuttgart has presented a comprehensive overview of terrestrial tetrapods from the Triassic period of the Central European Basin, significantly expanding our understanding of the evolution and ecology of ancient terrestrial vertebrates.
The Triassic period was a turning point in the development of life on Earth. It began 252 million years ago after a mass extinction. This period lasted until 201 million years ago. The Triassic saw the appearance of dinosaurs and many other groups of land vertebrates.
The southwest of Germany is of particular importance for the study of the Triassic. The rocks and fossils of this period are remarkably well preserved here. The territory of modern Baden-Württemberg was the center of the Central European Basin. The extraordinary quantity and quality of the fossils of this region make it a unique treasure trove of paleontological knowledge.
A groundbreaking approach to studying ancient ecosystems
A research team led by Dr. Eudald Mughal and Professor Rainer Schoch has taken an important step in the study of the Triassic. They have analyzed all known skeletal remains and footprints together for the first time. Most of the specimens come from the rich collections of the Stuttgart Museum of Natural History.
The work, published in the journal Earth-Science Reviews, provides a detailed reconstruction. It covers the fauna of terrestrial tetrapods, their habitats and ecology. The researchers used an interdisciplinary approach for a comprehensive analysis.
During this period, the predecessors of modern mammals and predatory relatives of crocodiles existed, sharing ecosystems with giant amphibians and the first dinosaurs.
Ecological relationships and climate change
The study found that the Triassic laid the foundation for the development of complex terrestrial ecosystems. The diversity of terrestrial vertebrates during this period was greater than previously thought. Scientists were able to trace the complex relationships between species and their environments.
Scientists have correlated fossils with their paleoenvironments. This has allowed us to understand the evolution of tetrapods in a changing climate. The researchers have discovered how the animals adapted to changing environments. Such relationships are important for understanding modern ecosystems.
This research helps assess the long-term impacts of climate change. It also sheds light on the processes of biodiversity loss. Lessons from the past can be extremely valuable for addressing today's environmental challenges.
The value of the Stuttgart Museum collections
The fossil collections of the Stuttgart State Museum of Natural History are of world importance. They are a benchmark for the study of the Triassic period. Of particular value are the finds from the Upper Olenekian and Lower Anisian.
Among the most impressive exhibits is a group of 22 aetosaurs lying side by side. Also important are specimens of Parotosuchus nasutus, Trematosaurus brauni and other remains. The collection contains unique footprints, including Chirotherium barthii and Rhynchosauroides.
"Our team analyzed all relevant fossils and geological layers from the Triassic", – emphasizes Professor Schoch. The researchers combined different scientific methods to obtain a holistic picture. They also conducted a comprehensive review of the literature on the topic.
The published work makes an important contribution to paleontology. It deepens the understanding of the history of the Earth and the evolution of organisms. The significance of this research goes beyond the study of the Triassic and contributes to the general understanding of the processes of the development of life on our planet.
Detailed analysis of tetrapod fossils opens up new horizons. It changes the idea of Triassic biodiversity. The study of ancient ecosystems allows us to better understand evolutionary processes. Such fundamental work lays the foundation for future paleontological research.
