Alligators at the University of Utah (IMAGE) University of Utah Caption Small alligators at the University of Utah. A new study shows air moves in one direction once it enters an alligator's lungs -- a discovery that may explain why the ancestors of dinosaurs and birds came to rule the Earth after a mass extinction killed many mammal-like reptiles 251 million years ago. Credit Hannah J. Chirillo. Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.