The prevalence of significantly larger fauna in prehistoric eras, compared to the present day, represents a key question in paleontological and evolutionary biology. Gigantism, observed across diverse animal groups from insects to mammals, characterized many extinct species. Investigating the factors contributing to this phenomenon offers insights into environmental pressures, ecological dynamics, and evolutionary trajectories of life on Earth.
Understanding the ecological forces that favored increased body size in the past is critical. Larger body size often conferred advantages, such as enhanced competitive ability, increased access to resources, and greater resistance to predation. Furthermore, historical climate conditions, atmospheric composition, and availability of suitable habitats likely played a crucial role in supporting and promoting the evolution of these massive creatures. The fossil record provides valuable evidence for reconstructing past ecosystems and analyzing the interplay between environmental factors and animal size.