A theoretical integration of Cambrian explosion and post-Permian quiescence

Trophic dynamics is internally causative. Each trophic level is causative in initiating changes in trophic flow either as a supplier towards the upper level or as a consumer towards the lower. Resource presentation followed by its subsequent exploitation makes suppliers causative, while resource exploitation followed by its subsequent presentation makes consumers causative. Trophic dynamics of supplier domination gradually alternates with that of consumer domination while being punctuated by occasional mass extinctions due to depletion of the resources towards the lowest trophic level. The Cambrian explosion could be associated with trophic dynamics of supplier domination, whereas the post-Permian quiescence with that of consumer influencing supplier domination.