Question

What fills that niche now that dinosaurs previously filled?

Answer 1

Birds are believed to have evolved from small, feathered theropod dinosaurs, and they now fill a similar ecological niche by serving as both predators and prey in various ecosystems around the world. Some birds, such as eagles and hawks, have evolved to become top predators, while others, like sparrows and finches, play important roles as seed dispersers and insectivores. Additionally, mammals such as wolves, big cats, and reptiles like crocodiles also fulfill predatory roles that were once occupied by dinosaurs.