Which specific geological event did the *Triops* crustaceans survive, remaining largely unchanged?
Answer
The extinction event that wiped out the non-avian dinosaurs
The term 'living fossils' is applied to *Triops* because their morphology has remained remarkably consistent over immense periods of time, spanning epochs marked by mass extinctions. The text explicitly highlights their evolutionary success by noting that these crustaceans managed to survive the very catastrophic environmental shift that caused the demise of the non-avian dinosaurs. This ability to persist through a major biological turnover event, while many other groups perished, speaks to the robust and adaptable nature of their dual life cycle strategy, centered on the extreme hardiness of their dormant egg stage.
Related Questions
What is the maximum reported duration for which *Triops* eggs can remain viable in dormancy?How long does the active, swimming lifespan of an adult *Triops* typically last in its natural, ephemeral habitat?What observation time was recorded for *Triops australiensis* individuals in controlled environments?What is the specialized form of suspended development that *Triops* cysts enter to survive dehydration and cold?Which specific geological event did the *Triops* crustaceans survive, remaining largely unchanged?What characteristic of the water environment dictates the entire life cycle strategy of the *Triops*?What critical prerequisite must environmental triggers meet to initiate the hatching of *Triops* cysts?Where have *Triops* been documented to resurface after heavy rains following long periods of desiccation?What potential duration can the active life of a *Triops* be extended to when managed under optimal captive care?In terms of long-term success for hobbyists, what activity with *Triops* cysts is prioritized over forcing extreme active lifespan extension?