The evolution of archosaurs was heavily impacted by the climate and environmental changes that occurred in the Early Triassic. Which of these best describes the environment in the Triassic?

a. The vegetation was dominated by grasses and angiosperms which were new food sources

b. The equatorial climate became much more arid compared to that seen in the Permian

c. The polar regions were dominated by permanent polar ice caps that were linked to lower sea levels.

d. Oxygen levels were extremely high due an increase in worldwide vegetation

Option (B)

Explanation:

The Triassic period belongs to the Mesozoic era in which the dominant species was the dinosaurs. During this time, the environment and the type of climate was relatively dry and there was no precipitation to support the vegetation. During, this Triassic period, the super-continent Pangaea was present that eventually got split up into different smaller continents by Jurassic and Cretaceous. The climate in the equatorial region during that particular time on earth was comparatively much more arid than that was in the Permian.

There were no polar ice caps during that time and tectonic activities were rapid. The earth experienced a temperature of about 10°C more than the present day temperature and oxygen level was also relatively low then. The plants that existed during this period were mostly gymnosperms.

Hence, the correct answer is option (B).