66 million years ago, a catastrophic event sealed the fate of the dinosaurs and reverberated across the planet, forever changing the course of natural history. A colossal asteroid, with an estimated length of between 9 and 14 kilometers, fell on Earth. This collision released debris into the air, caused fires and caused seismic shocks of unprecedented magnitude, resulting in the extinction of the dinosaurs.
The surviving species
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The immediate effects of the collision were devastating to life in general. While the shadows of this disaster painted a picture of darkness and desolation, it was not the end for all the inhabitants of the city. Earth. Against all odds, tiny microorganisms proved to be the unsung heroes of this tale of resistance.
Microorganisms, tiny biological entities, have demonstrated surprising resilience. In a world transformed by destruction, where many life forms met their end, these diminutive beings persisted. They navigated the adversity, withstanding high temperatures and alarming levels of radiation, and flourished.
However, they were not alone in this saga. Invertebrates, varied in their forms and functions, persisted amid the chaos, demonstrating that diversity is often the key to survival. Likewise, some plants, with their unique ability to withstand harsh conditions and seeds that can withstand fire, have found ways to continue flourishing.
The seas, although disturbed, also gave refuge to many. Fish, adaptable and agile, along with other aquatic vertebrates, remained alive. In addition to them, certain mammals, amphibians and reptiles proved to be unexpectedly resilient in the face of chaos.
With the fall of the prehistoric titans, a window of opportunity opened. Surviving species not only endured but also thrived, occupying spaces that were previously dominated by dinosaurs. This repopulation and subsequent diversification of the ecosystem marked a new era in the planet’s history.
Species adapted, evolved, and gave rise to a myriad of new life forms, filling the Earth with a biodiversity never seen before.
