Extinction of dinosaurs: a possible novel cause

Adv Space Res. 1995 Mar;15(3):139-46. doi: 10.1016/s0273-1177(99)80075-1.

Abstract

A novel cause of mass extinction of fauna close to the (K/T) Boundary is suggested. A large amount of non-protein amino acids (AIB and ISOVAL) has been observed close to this event. It is speculated that these amino acids may be toxic and are responsible for the extinction. The toxicity level is estimated for this suggestion to be true and experimentalists are encouraged to test this level of toxicity for the amino acids.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acids / poisoning
  • Aminoisobutyric Acids / poisoning*
  • Animals
  • Biological Evolution*
  • Denmark
  • Environmental Exposure*
  • Extraterrestrial Environment
  • Fossils*
  • Geologic Sediments / analysis
  • Geologic Sediments / chemistry
  • Iridium / analysis
  • Meteoroids*
  • Paleontology
  • Reptiles
  • Valine / poisoning*

Substances

  • Amino Acids
  • Aminoisobutyric Acids
  • 2-aminoisobutyric acid
  • Iridium
  • isovaline
  • Valine