A groundbreaking study by the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (BSIP) reveals that the Deccan Volcanism, which occurred approximately 66 million years ago, played a paradoxical role in the evolution of tropical flora. While this volcanic event contributed to the mass extinction of dinosaurs and other fauna, it simultaneously fostered the diversification of angiosperms (flowering plants) by creating fertile and undisturbed habitats ideal for their growth.
The volcanic activity persisted for several hundred thousand years, significantly affecting terrestrial fauna but surprisingly enabling tropical flora to thrive. Researchers found that the extinction of dominant species, including dinosaurs and gymnosperms, opened up ecological opportunities for the rapid diversification of angiosperms across the Indian subcontinent.
Utilizing advanced palynology and palynofacies analyses, the study published in the journal Earth Science Reviews highlights the remarkable resilience of tropical flora. Despite the toxic greenhouse gases released during Deccan Volcanism, which led to a global temperature surge, plant communities adapted and flourished within a sub-millennial timeframe.
The findings underscore the potential for modern tropical rainforests to recover swiftly under favorable climatic conditions, offering hope amid current climate change concerns. Understanding historical floral turnovers can provide valuable insights into how contemporary ecosystems might respond to global warming, emphasizing the critical role of protecting and restoring tropical rainforests for global biodiversity and climate regulation.