If an increase in dicynodont species diversity (in other words, number of species)occurred soon after the Permian extinction, and if it occurred for the same general reason usually given for the increase in mammalian diversity following the Cretaceous extinction, then it should be attributed to
A) an innovation among the dicynodonts that allowed them to fill brand-new niches.
B) the availability of previously occupied niches.
C) the extinction of the dinosaurs (except the birds).
D) their outcompetition of many other terrestrial organisms.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The increase in dicynodont species diversity following the Permian extinction is likely attributed to the availability of previously occupied niches, similar to the increase in mammalian diversity following the Cretaceous extinction. This is because many dominant terrestrial groups went extinct during these extinction events, leaving open ecological niches for other groups to diversify and fill. Option A is incorrect because there is no evidence of a specific innovation among dicynodonts that allowed them to fill new niches. Option C is incorrect because the extinction of dinosaurs (except birds) occurred much later, after the Permian extinction. Option D is incorrect because there is no evidence that dicynodonts outcompeted many other terrestrial organisms.

If an Increase in Dicynodont Species Diversity (In Other Words