Still Waters Posted July 14, 2013 #1 Share Posted July 14, 2013 Scientists previously thought that large meat-eating dragons grew larger than their herbivore cousins because of a lack of predators. These findings now from from the University of California and University of Nebraska-Lincoln suggest that a warmer climate is needed for large lizards to grow - and that global warming could cause this to happen again. http://www.dailymail...do-dragons.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keithisco Posted July 14, 2013 #2 Share Posted July 14, 2013 This is an interesting hypothesis, but it does seem to contradict itself somewhat (from the same article): "Because today’s largest lizards, like the carnivorous Komodo Dragon of Komodo Island, Japan, are found soley on mammal-free islands, scientists have suggested that lizards can grow large only in the absence of large mammals that compete with them or eat them". There are a large number of Lizard species evolved into temperate and warmer climes (with abundant vegetation) that have not been subject to gigantism, but are still subject to predation by other species. Whilst the majority are carnivorous, a significant minority, of mostly iguana species, are totally herbivorous. In particular, the Galapagos Marine Iguanas that feed off of seaweed, and live in temperate climes with no low extremes of temperature have not evolved gigantism traits even in the absence of mammalian predation. The supply of seaweed is constant, the air temperatures are relatively high (as is the seawater temperature), higher than average Jurassic era temperatures. So, I would say that these are just a couple of speculative statements that appear to have come from nowhere and based on little actual research. IMO 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank Merton Posted July 14, 2013 #3 Share Posted July 14, 2013 Now that would be a morally acceptable reason for carrying a big gun around with you. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ashotep Posted July 14, 2013 #4 Share Posted July 14, 2013 But doesn't it take a higher oxygen level along with the warmer temps for reptiles to grow that big. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keithisco Posted July 14, 2013 #5 Share Posted July 14, 2013 (edited) But doesn't it take a higher oxygen level along with the warmer temps for reptiles to grow that big. No, the Komodo Dragon is a good example, except they are carnivores Edited July 14, 2013 by keithisco 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ashotep Posted July 16, 2013 #6 Share Posted July 16, 2013 No, the Komodo Dragon is a good example, except they are carnivores Yes they are big but if we had the oxygen levels they did back in the day of the dinosaurs would they be much bigger. I have read that higher oxygen levels allowed them to grow so much bigger. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevewinn Posted July 16, 2013 #7 Share Posted July 16, 2013 Yes they are big but if we had the oxygen levels they did back in the day of the dinosaurs would they be much bigger. I have read that higher oxygen levels allowed them to grow so much bigger. am with you on that, i thought the higher oxygen level allowed they to grow massive. or played a part. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xYlvax Posted July 17, 2013 #8 Share Posted July 17, 2013 Now that would be a morally acceptable reason for carrying a big gun around with you. Oh, don't even start. There are a ton of morally acceptable reasons, but only those that choose to blind themselves or wish to rely on government ignore the real usages. There is no reason to even bring that up here, since you wouldn't even know or wish to defend yourself against a giant lizard. If you lived in the U.S now and know first-hand what the druggies and degenerates around here speak of-which I've had years of experience among them, listening- you'd want a gun. You've lived through Vietnam. I applaud you. I know a lot who have been through the same and they'd laugh at your ridiculous arguments. Anyhow, I find this thread to be a very informative and wonderful read. Thank you. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank Merton Posted July 17, 2013 #9 Share Posted July 17, 2013 I think there are very few reasons one can morally justify having a gun. I guess a lot depends on one's moral attitude about killing. The remark I posted about big reptiles was not serious, and it's a little surprising that you took it that way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Silver Thong Posted July 17, 2013 #10 Share Posted July 17, 2013 I don`t think your kid`s kid`s grand children have to worry. I have a six foot boa and want him to grow to 8 ft but i doubt she will make it that big lol my tortise will live past me and I don`t think he will get much bigger. The reason dino got so big was abaluetly due to oxygen levels and temp. Plus a food supply not messed up by humans. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Silver Thong Posted July 17, 2013 #11 Share Posted July 17, 2013 I think there are very few reasons one can morally justify having a gun. I guess a lot depends on one's moral attitude about killing. The remark I posted about big reptiles was not serious, and it's a little surprising that you took it that way. This is the third time I think you need to use a people don`t get when your goofing. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank Merton Posted July 17, 2013 #12 Share Posted July 17, 2013 I dare say a twelve-or-so foot lizard would be a specimen worth keeping alive, although in such a world there would probably be few of us left. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Babe Ruth Posted July 18, 2013 #13 Share Posted July 18, 2013 If alligators and crocs are reptiles, we already have 10 foot reptiles. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doug1029 Posted July 18, 2013 #14 Share Posted July 18, 2013 These findings now from from the University of California and University of Nebraska-Lincoln suggest that a warmer climate is needed for large lizards to grow - and that global warming could cause this to happen again. Won't happen. Evolution, even the rapid evolution now being discussed, doesn't work that fast. Also, there's human impact to consider. If we continue to pollute the atmosphere, we could render the planet uninhabitable to most species. If we manage to destroy ourselves then photosynthesis will eventually restore the pre-warming status quo. And if we manage to take control of the climate and maintain it at a warmer-than-natural temperature, we will also produce adverse impacts on lizards. Doesn't look too good for lizards. Doug Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevewinn Posted July 18, 2013 #15 Share Posted July 18, 2013 Won't happen. Evolution, even the rapid evolution now being discussed, doesn't work that fast. Also, there's human impact to consider. If we continue to pollute the atmosphere, we could render the planet uninhabitable to most species. If we manage to destroy ourselves then photosynthesis will eventually restore the pre-warming status quo. And if we manage to take control of the climate and maintain it at a warmer-than-natural temperature, we will also produce adverse impacts on lizards. Doesn't look too good for lizards. Doug 600 million years from now there will be no photosynthesis, and all plants and trees will be no more. in little over a billion years, its goodnight Irene. with the sun being 10% brighter than today. and just to think a billion years is nothing on the true time scale of the universe. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WhyDontYouBeliEveMe Posted July 19, 2013 #16 Share Posted July 19, 2013 Common guys we all know what we need for lizards to grow big ! A few nukes and there you got it ! GODZILLA will happen ! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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