Vertebrate fauna from the Deccan volcanic province: Response to volcanic activity

Extensive paleontological research in the Deccan volcanic province reveals that freshwater vertebrate fauna, including dinosaurs and fish, exhibited resilience to early volcanic activity during the Maastrichtian period. While terrestrial communities showed a decline in diversity, freshwater species, particularly detritus-feeding vertebrates, demonstrated greater survival potential due to episodic volcanism and periods of quiescence. The study, conducted across multiple intertrappean and infratrappean sections—including Anjar on the northwestern margin—suggests that sampling bias may have underestimated the actual diversity in these beds. This research provides critical insights into the impact of volcanic activity on biodiversity near the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary.

Prasad, G. V. R., & Sahni, A. (2014). Vertebrate fauna from the Deccan volcanic province: Response to volcanic activity. Volcanism, Impacts, and Mass Extinctions: Causes and Effects. https://doi.org/10.1130/2014.2505(09)