Origination preceding extinction during late Cenozoic turnover of Caribbean reefs

• DOI: 10.1017/s009483730002649x
• Publication Date: 2016-07-27T06:24:20Z
• Authors: Ann F. Budd; Kenneth G. Johnson
• Keywords: Origination; Extinction (optical mineralogy); Local extinction

Abstract Statistical analyses of occurrence data derived from new collections through scattered Caribbean sections indicate that increased speciation preceded a pulse extinction during regional turnover the reef coral fauna in Plio-Pleistocene time. The are based on samples were newly collected and identified to species using standardized procedures. Age-dates assigned high-resolution chronostratigraphic methods. results show with wide range ecological traits originated added pool as much 1–2 million years before peaked at end interval. Local assemblages consisted mix extinct living species, which varied composition but not richness. Extinction was selective resulted faunal shift large, fast-growing dominate reefs today. unusual relationship between origination may have been caused by changes oceanic circulation associated emergence Central American Isthmus, followed onset Northern Hemisphere glaciation. pattern preceding responsible for stability ecosystems intense climatic fluctuations late Pleistocene, structure modern ecosystems.