A closer look at “How Warm Climates Helped Crocodiles Survive the Asteroid That Killed Dinosaurs”, exactly as the source publishes it. Crocodiles and their ancient relatives survived the asteroid impact that wiped out the dinosaurs 66 million years ago, and a new study from University College London (UCL) suggests their preference for warm climates was key. The research, spanning 250 million years of crocodilian history, found that species living in tropical and subtropical regions were more likely to endure mass extinctions, including the end-Cretaceous event. Pedro Godoy and colleagues analyzed fossil records and climate data, revealing that crocodiles’ low metabolic rates and ability to enter dormant states allowed them to survive long periods without food in warm environments.
This adaptation gave them a crucial edge when the asteroid caused global cooling and collapsed food chains. The findings, published in Nature Communications, highlight how climate niche has shaped crocodile evolution and resilience. For the complete material, the listing points back to the source inside the network.