The Drivers of Mesozoic Neoselachian Success and Resilience.

ABSTRACT: The modern diversity of sharks, skates, and rays (Neoselachii) is the result of various diversification and extinction events during the Mesozoic (252-66 Ma). However, the key drivers of their diversity patterns remain poorly understood despite all the progress that has been accomplished in recent years. Here, we show that the interplay of climatic- and tectonic-linked trajectories, resulting in a high shallow marine habitat availability and lower atmospheric CO₂ concentration, were significant drivers and sustainers of Mesozoic neoselachian diversity. We show, for the first time, that higher atmospheric CO₂ content negatively affected neoselachian diversity in the past. The recognized gradual faunal changes throughout the Mesozoic and the two major diversification ev

SUBMITTER: Staggl MA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11852107 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature