The fossil record, a treasure trove of ancient secrets, is a frustratingly incomplete puzzle. It's easy to dream of finding the perfect skeletons of baby dinosaurs, tracks that reveal long-contested behaviors, and fossils that could unlock a wealth of knowledge. But sometimes, these wishes come true, and the discovery of Lisowicia, an elephant-sized, beaked, tusked herbivore from the Late Triassic, is a testament to that. This creature, far larger than expected for its time, challenges our understanding of the Mesozoic era and the role of mammals within it.
The discovery of Lisowicia made me wonder about the potential size of prehistoric mammals. If protomammals could reach such startling dimensions during the Mesozoic, what about the diverse and varied mammals that came after? Paleontologist Pedro Victor Buck and his team have shed light on this question, revealing that some Mesozoic mammals may have been larger than we anticipated.
The Botucatu Formation in Brazil has yielded remarkably large tracks for an Early Cretaceous mammaliaform. These tracks, more than five inches across, are comparable to those left by large mountain lions today. Based on body proportions, the authors estimate the tracemaker to be about five feet long, a size that challenges the stereotype of small, snuffling mammaliaforms.
This discovery raises intriguing questions about the relationship between dinosaurs and mammals during the Mesozoic. The traditional narrative, often perpetuated by dinosaur experts, suggests that dinosaurs kept mammals small and traumatized throughout the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods. However, this view overlooks the fact that most modern mammals are small, and their preservation is likely due to their numerousness and preference for forested or closed environments, away from waterlogged habitats that accumulated dinosaur bones.
I argue that this narrative is flawed. While it's true that Mesozoic mammals were not as diverse in body sizes as those of the Cenozoic, it's incorrect to assume they were all small and subordinate creatures. Some mammals did grow to impressive sizes, and we should be actively seeking evidence of their existence. By exploring this alternative perspective, we can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the Mesozoic and the mammals that inhabited it.
Beyond paleontology, I also share my love for prehistoric creatures through my writing. In the second issue of Lilac Peril's IDOLS, I explore the xenomorph queen as an icon and idol, a monster that resonates with me. I also discuss a significant fossil site in New Mexico that reveals thriving canopy-covered forests of angiosperms about 10 million years before the asteroid impact. Additionally, I delve into the narrative of plant evolution, updating my book 'When the Earth Was Green'.
In my personal life, I'm excited about upcoming events, including a book club session at Snug Books and a tour for my book 'Tyrant Lizard Queen'. I'm also a fan of video games, particularly 'Mina the Hollower', which scratches the same itch as 'Hollow Knight' with its lavishly-pixelated, chiptune banger glory. And, of course, I can't wait to play 'ALIENS: Fireteam Elite 2', which promises to be another intense gaming experience.
