Ecological structure of diversity-dependent diversification in Phanerozoic marine bivalves.

ABSTRACT: Rigorous analysis of diversity-dependence-the hypothesis that the rate of proliferation of new species is inversely related to standing diversity-requires consideration of the ecology of the organisms in question. Differences between infaunal marine bivalves (living entirely within the sediment) and epifaunal forms (living partially or completely above the sediment-water interface) predict that these major ecological groups should have different diversity dynamics: epifaunal species may compete more intensely for space and be more susceptible to predation and physical disturbance. By comparing detrended standing diversity with rates of diversification, origination, and extinction in this exceptional fossil record, we find that epifaunal bivalves experienced significant, negative diversity-

SUBMITTER: Foote M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10792395 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature