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Branching archaeocyaths as ecosystem engineers during the Cambrian radiation
Ryan A Manzuk1, Adam C Maloof1, Jaap A Kaandorp2
1Department of Geosciences, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, USA.
Geobiology
|August 26, 2022
Summary
Early Cambrian archaeocyathan reefs, Earth's first animal-built ecosystems, fostered animal diversification. These ancient reef builders, similar to modern corals, created complex habitats influencing water flow and supporting life.
Area of Science:
- Paleontology
- Marine Biology
- Ecosystem Engineering
Background:
- The Cambrian radiation saw rapid animal diversification coinciding with the emergence of the first animal-built reefs.
- Modern coral reefs are crucial ecological facilitators, prompting investigation into ancient reef impacts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of archaeocyathan reefs as engineered ecosystems during the Cambrian radiation.
- To compare the ecological functions of ancient archaeocyathan reefs with modern coral reefs.
Main Methods:
- Generated high-resolution, three-dimensional (3D) reconstructions of branching archaeocyathide individuals.
- Compared morphological measurements from fossil specimens with modern corals to infer environmental conditions.
Main Results:
- Archaeocyaths could influence water flow, host photosymbionts, and construct complex, stable reef structures.
- A stepwise increase in reef environmental roughness was observed in the Lower Cambrian.
Conclusions:
- Archaeocyathan reefs functioned similarly to modern coral reefs as ecological engineers.
- The complex structures of early Cambrian reefs provided a foundation for diverse, coevolving fauna, driving animal body plan diversification.
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