The advent of chewing by a group of herbivores 260 million years ago may have signaled one of the first great bursts of vertebrate life on land, say paleontologists from University of Toronto, Canada and Duke University, USA. "The real boost in the success of vertebrates on land started with the ability to process plant material efficiently," says Robert Reisz, professor of paleontology at the University of Toronto. The first leaf-eating terrestrial herbivore appeared on land about 290 million years ago. Suminia getmanovi , was the first to chew and shred the leaves into small bits before swallowing, thereby allowing maximum absorption of the plant's energy and nutrients.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
.png)
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.