The Mystery of Dinosaur Origins: Unveiling Dino Ground Zero

Setting the Stage

Contrary to popular belief, the absence of dinosaur fossils near the equator does not negate their existence. A groundbreaking study published in Current Biology suggests that the earliest dinosaurs originated near Earth's heart and gradually spread to other continents.

"The fossil record has such large gaps that it can't be taken at face value," declares Joel Heath, lead author of the study. "We can't assume that dinosaurs didn't exist somewhere simply because we haven't found them there."

Pinpointing Dino Ground Zero

To unravel the mystery, researchers employed a computer model that integrated fossil data, evolutionary trees, and geographical information. By treating unexplored regions as areas where fossils may not have been discovered rather than where dinosaurs never lived, they uncovered a promising location:

An equatorial supercontinent known as Gondwana, encompassing today's Amazon, Congo basin, and Sahara Desert.

Despite the lack of dinosaur fossils in these regions, the researchers speculate that this was due to a combination of environmental factors and limited research efforts.

The Dinosaur Diaspora

From their equatorial birthplace, dinosaurs embarked on evolutionary journeys, some venturing south to the areas where the oldest known fossils have been unearthed. Others trekked north into Laurasia, the supercontinent that later separated into Europe, Asia, and North America.

The fossil record aligns perfectly with this theory, as the earliest dinosaurs have been found in southern Gondwana and close dinosaur relatives in Laurasia.

Where to Dig Next

The researchers are optimistic that future excavations closer to the equator will uncover the ancestral dinosaurs they seek. However, they predict that these ancient creatures will differ significantly from the mighty behemoths we envision, likely resembling small dog-like animals.

As paleontologists delve deeper into the equatorial regions, we eagerly anticipate the discovery of Dinosaur Ground Zero, the birthplace of these fascinating creatures.