Calibrating Rates of Early Cambrian Evolution

• DOI: 10.1126/science.11539488
• Publication Date: 2006-10-05T23:05:09Z
• Authors: Samuel A. Bowring; John P. Grotzinger; Clark E. Isachsen; Andrew H. Knoll; Shane M. Pelechaty; Peter Kolosov
• Keywords: Geochronology

An explosive episode of biological diversification occurred near the beginning Cambrian period. Evolutionary rates in have been difficult to quantify accurately because a lack high-precision ages. Currently, uranium-lead zircon geochronology is most powerful method for dating rocks age. Uranium-lead data from lower located northeast Siberia indicate that period began at approximately 544 million years ago and its oldest (Manykaian) stage lasted no less than 10 years. Other Tommotian Atdabanian stages together only 5 The resulting compression Early time accentuates rapidity both faunal subsequent turnover.