What is Igai semkhu?

About Igai semkhu:

• It belongs to a diverse group of long-necked plant-eating dinosaurs called Titanosauria.
• Igai semkhu roamed our planet during the Campanian age of the Late Cretaceous epoch, approximately 75 million years ago.
• The group is known for large body sizes, long necks and wide stance and includes species ranging from the largest known terrestrial vertebrates to ‘dwarfs’ no bigger than elephants.
• Igai semkhu constitutes one of the most informative dinosaurs yet recovered from the latest Cretaceous of Afro-Arabia.
• It is 10-15 m (33-49 feet) in estimated total body length.

What is Cretaceous epoch?

• It is the third and final period of the Mesozoic Era, which is often referred to as the "Age of Dinosaurs."
• The Cretaceous Epoch lasted from approximately 145 million years ago to about 66 million years ago, making it one of the longest geological epochs.
• Mass Extinction:
  • The Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-Pg) mass extinction event marks the end of the Cretaceous Epoch.
  • It occurred around 66 million years ago and resulted in the extinction of approximately 75% of Earth's species, including the non-avian dinosaurs.
  • This event is believed to have been triggered by a combination of factors, including the impact of a large asteroid or comet and massive volcanic activity.

Q1) What is Geological Epoch?

In geological terms, an epoch is a division of time that represents a relatively short and distinct interval within a geological period. Geological epochs are used to categorize and describe specific periods of Earth's history based on notable changes in Earth's geology, climate, and the evolution of life forms. These divisions help geologists and paleontologists understand and discuss Earth's past.