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Collapse of the Late Proterozoic ecosystem
1Department of Earth and Space Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles 90024, USA.
South African Journal of Geology : Being the Transactions of the Geological Society of South Africa = Suid-Afrikaanse Tydskrif Vir Geologie : Syndie Die Verhandelinge Van Die Geologiese Vereniging Van Suid-Afrika
|January 1, 1991
Summary
The Proterozoic eon saw a massive global ecosystem collapse, evidenced by paleontological data. This decline may have been driven by falling carbon dioxide levels, impacting temperature and productivity.
Area of Science:
- Paleontology
- Geochemistry
- Climate Science
Background:
- Over the past two decades, substantial evidence has emerged regarding Proterozoic biotic diversity and extinction patterns.
- Existing data, while limited in quality and quantity, allow for initial quantitative assessments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantitatively assess biotic diversity and extinction patterns during the Proterozoic eon.
- To explore potential forcing agents behind observed ecosystem changes.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of available paleontological data.
- Integration with geological and geochemical evidence.
Main Results:
- Available paleontological data suggest a gradual but massive global ecosystem collapse between 1000 million years ago (Ma) and the start of the Phanerozoic.
- This collapse is consistent with other geological and geochemical indicators.
Conclusions:
- A decrease in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels is a potential driver for the Proterozoic ecosystem collapse.
- Reduced carbon dioxide likely led to decreased global temperatures, photosynthetic efficiency, and primary productivity.