What's Happening?
A recent study led by Swansea University has utilized artificial intelligence to analyze the impact of the asteroid strike that occurred 66 million years ago, which is famously known for causing the extinction of the dinosaurs. The study found that the event
resulted in only a modest decline in shark and ray species, contradicting previous theories that suggested a more severe impact on marine life. Researchers combined AI models with a comprehensive fossil dataset to map the diversity of these species over 145 million years. The findings indicate that the asteroid impact caused a decline of only 10 percent in shark and ray species, a much smaller reduction compared to the mass extinction of non-avian dinosaurs.
Why It's Important?
The study's findings are significant as they provide a new perspective on the resilience of marine species to catastrophic events. By understanding the historical patterns of species diversity, conservationists can better assess the current challenges faced by sharks and rays, which are already under pressure from human activities such as overfishing and climate change. The research highlights the importance of protecting these species, which have already experienced a long-term decline in diversity over millions of years. This new understanding can inform conservation strategies and policies aimed at preserving marine biodiversity.
