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Mammalian evolution and the great american interchange.

L G Marshall, S D Webb, J J Sepkoski

Science (New York, N.Y.)

|March 12, 1982

Summary

The Great American Biotic Interchange saw land mammals move between North and South America after the Panamanian land bridge formed. Mammalian family diversity fluctuated on both continents, aligning with species equilibrium theory.

Area of Science:

Ecology
Paleontology
Biogeography

Background:

The formation of the Panamanian land bridge approximately 3 million years ago facilitated a significant exchange of terrestrial mammals between North and South America.
This event, known as the Great American Biotic Interchange, profoundly impacted the mammalian faunas of both continents.

Purpose of the Study:

To analyze the changes in land mammal family diversity in South America before, during, and after the Great American Biotic Interchange.
To evaluate the extent to which the MacArthur-Wilson species equilibrium theory can explain observed diversity patterns during this interchange.
To investigate the asymmetry in the initial dispersal of genera between the two continents and the role of secondary immigrants.

Main Methods:

Comparative analysis of land mammal family diversity in South America, comparing pre-interchange, during-interchange, and present-day numbers.

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Application of the MacArthur-Wilson species equilibrium theory to model and predict diversity changes.

Examination of the number of genera that migrated between North and South America to assess dispersal patterns.

Main Results:

South American land mammal families increased from 32 to 39 following the interchange, then decreased to 35.
North America experienced similar fluctuations in mammalian family diversity during the same period.
Initially, more North American genera (24) migrated to South America than vice versa (12), consistent with reservoir genus proportions.

Conclusions:

The observed changes in mammalian family diversity during the Great American Biotic Interchange are largely predictable by the MacArthur-Wilson species equilibrium theory.
The initial asymmetry in genus exchange is explained by the relative sizes of the source faunas.
The theory does not fully account for imbalances caused by secondary immigrants, suggesting limitations in explaining long-term diversification dynamics.