approximately 358.9 million years ago. Here are a few possible explanations for their extinction:
Changing Climate: The Late Devonian period was a time of significant climate changes. The Earth experienced a series of ice ages, which caused fluctuations in sea levels and changes in marine environments. Dunkleosteus, which was adapted to warmer waters, may have struggled to survive in the changing conditions.
Competition: The Late Devonian period saw the diversification and rise of other groups of predators, including various species of sharks and bony fishes. These competitors may have put pressure on Dunkleosteus' food sources and habitats.
Overfishing: Dunkleosteus was a top predator, but it may have also fallen victim to overfishing by other marine predators. Some scientists suggest that the increasing diversity and abundance of other predators could have contributed to Dunkleosteus' decline.
Disease: Disease outbreaks or other health challenges could have also affected the survival of Dunkleosteus populations. However, there is limited information about specific diseases or pathogens that may have played a role in their extinction.
Combination of Factors: It's likely that a combination of the above factors, along with other unknown environmental changes, ultimately led to the extinction of Dunkleosteus. The specific sequence and relative contributions of these factors are still subjects of research and debate among paleontologists.