Why are the largest land/air animals today smaller than in the Mesozoic?

Asked Oct 21 '14 at 23:43

Active Oct 21 '14 at 23:43

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The largest dinosaurs and pterosaurs seem to have been much larger than the largest animal terrestrial/avian species since. Was the Mesozoic somehow more hospitable to large animal species than today's world? Have subsequent evolutionary innovations shifted the balance towards smaller species?

Interestingly the still-existing blue whale seems to be the largest animal ever.

asked Oct 21 '14 at 23:43

kuzzooroo

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Closely related/maybe partial duplicate of What are the atmospheric requirements for large dinosaurs? and What was the reason for some plant and animals to become giant in course of evolution? – fileunderwater Oct 22 '14 at 13:59
Although the specified question is not an exact duplicate, this answer pretty much covers my question. – kuzzooroo Jul 16 '18 at 18:37

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