Diversity partitioning during the Cambrian radiation #MMPMID25825755
Na L; Kiessling W
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2015[Apr]; 112 (15): 4702-6 PMID25825755show ga
Many mechanisms of the Cambrian Explosion have been proposed, but rigorous quantitative analyses of biodiversity dynamics are scarce, although they may shed light on important factors. Using a comprehensive database and sampling standardization, we dissect global diversity patterns. The trajectories of within-community, between-community, and global diversity during the main phase of the Cambrian radiation revealed a low-competition model, which was probably governed by niche contraction and the increase of predation at local scales. At continental scales, the increase of beta diversity was controlled by the high rate of community turnover among adjacent continents. This finding supports the general importance of plate tectonics in large-scale diversifications.