Dinosaur question -- Was Earth's gravity lower in the past?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the theory that ancient lower Earth gravity may explain the large size of dinosaurs and pterosaurs. Participants debate the plausibility of this theory, considering factors such as Earth's cooling and potential changes in size and rotation. The conversation highlights the need for specific citations from peer-reviewed journals to substantiate claims, emphasizing the importance of credible sources in scientific discussions. The thread was ultimately closed for moderation due to a lack of references.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of gravitational theory and the inverse square law
  • Knowledge of Earth's geological history and cooling processes
  • Familiarity with paleontology, specifically dinosaur and pterosaur biology
  • Ability to locate and interpret peer-reviewed scientific literature
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the inverse square law and its implications for gravitational changes
  • Investigate Earth's geological changes over the past 100 million years
  • Explore peer-reviewed articles on dinosaur physiology and size adaptations
  • Examine the relationship between atmospheric conditions and prehistoric life
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for paleontologists, geologists, and anyone interested in the evolutionary biology of dinosaurs and the scientific methods for validating theories in paleontology.

GregM
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New poster has been reminded that links to peer-reviewed papers or mainstream textbooks are required in the technical PF forums.
Hello everyone,
I have researched about dinosaurs and pterosaurs and a theory by various authors claiming the only way to explain their great size is with ancient lower Earth gravity . If this is supported theory among scientists then the next question is: How could the Earth have lower gravity? One idea I've had is as the Earth cooled it also shrunk and therefore by the inverse square law the same mass would have stronger surface gravity. However it seems unlikely the Earth shrunk so much in 100 million years, also if the Earth was much larger in the past, wouldn't shrinking cause a massive speed up in spin rotation? The Earth may had very long days in the past.
Can it have happened this way? Or is there a better simpler theory of why the dinos got so large? Any links to acedemic debates and conclusions on this question?
Thanks
 
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I would look into the climate side of things. Temperature, O2 CO2 levels.
@jim mcnamara @BillTre very knowledgeable on this
 
GregM said:
I have researched about dinosaurs and pterosaurs and a theory by various authors claiming the only way to explain their great size is with ancient lower Earth gravity .
Do you have references for these claims?
 
GregM said:
I have researched about dinosaurs and pterosaurs and a theory by various authors claiming the only way to explain their great size is with ancient lower Earth gravity
Here of PF it is not acceptable to say "I read that ... " (or your "I have researched ... " . You have to provide specific citations from refereed journals otherwise we might just be discussing nonsense.
 
Thread closed for Moderation...
 
Thread will remain closed. @GregM -- check your PMs. You may start a new thread about this question if you can find links to peer-reviewed journal articles about your question.
 
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