The influence of reefs on the rise of Mesozoic marine crustaceans

• DOI: 10.1130/g34768.1
• Publication Date: 2013-09-07T05:43:09Z
• Authors: A. A. Klompmaker; C. E. Schweitzer; R. M. Feldmann; M. Kowalewski
• Keywords: 0106 biological sciences; 13. Climate action; 14. Life underwater; 15. Life on land; 01 natural sciences

Ecosystems changed dramatically during the Mesozoic marine revolution, including rise of decapod crustaceans such as lobsters, shrimp, true crabs, and squat lobsters. However, quantitative patterns biodiversity through geological time are virtually unknown. This hampers our understanding their importance in past ecosystems timing causes radiations extinctions. Based on compilation ~1300 species, we document a long-term shift diversity dominant groups, marked by fi rst appearance increasing presence crabs and, to lesser extent, By end Mesozoic, became primary contributor diversity, pattern that has persisted until present time. “Mesozoic revolution” was advanced major radiation reef-dwelling which coincided with dramatic expansion reefs Late Jurassic. The subsequent collapse near Jurassic mirrored sharp (albeit temporary) drop driven primarily extinctions numerous species crabs. concurrent decline also suggests decapods inhabiting reefs, especially obligatory reef dwellers, may face elevated extinction risks today continue deteriorate. reef-related diversifi cation signifi cant correlation between abundance throughout underscore macroevolutionary biotic interactions ecosystem engineering.