Abstract
Robert Irion After quickly filling many niches on the ocean bottom in the Earth9s first evolutionary flowering during the Cambrian explosion, the trilobites--hardy, shelled arthropods--seemingly slid into a protracted decline and by 250 million years ago had disappeared for good. Now, on page 1922 of this issue, paleontologists report a detailed new survey in which they show that while one group, or fauna, of trilobites faded precipitously during the Ordovician period, the other thrived. A still-mysterious combination of ecology, geographic distribution, and high rates of speciation evidently gave this fauna an evolutionary edge.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.