Evidence of self organization in planktic foraminiferal evolution: Implications for interconnectedness of paleoecosystems

Research Article| March 01, 1996 Evidence of self organization in planktic foraminiferal evolution: Implications for interconnectedness of paleoecosystems R. Timothy Patterson; R. Timothy Patterson 1Department of Earth Sciences, Carleton University, and Ottawa-Carleton Geoscience Centre, Ottawa, Ontario K1S 5B6, Canada Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Anthony D. Fowler Anthony D. Fowler 2Department of Geology, University of Ottawa, and Ottawa-Carleton Geoscience Centre, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5, Canada Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Geology (1996) 24 (3): 215–218. https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1996)024<0215:EOSOIP>2.3.CO;2 Article history first online: 02 Jun 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Twitter LinkedIn Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation R. Timothy Patterson, Anthony D. Fowler; Evidence of self organization in planktic foraminiferal evolution: Implications for interconnectedness of paleoecosystems. Geology 1996;; 24 (3): 215–218. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1996)024<0215:EOSOIP>2.3.CO;2 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu nav search search input Search input auto suggest search filter All ContentBy SocietyGeology Search Advanced Search Abstract We analyzed planktic foraminiferal evolutionary data using techniques of nonlinear dynamics, a methodology new to paleontology. The data set comprises 196 extinction and speciation horizons derived from biostratigraphic ranges of 662 reliably defined species. Both extinction and speciation data sets are well characterized by power-law models. However, return maps and a predictor technique indicate that the extinction data are more highly deterministic than speciation data. We interpret the analysis, particularly extinction data, to be consistent with planktic foraminiferal evolution being organized, and not randomly driven. Our results do not preclude periodic large extinction events driven by external forces as predetermined by another system (e.g., large-body impact), or internally driven extinction processes, where spontaneously derived interdependencies cascade through the ecosystem, or some combination thereof. Our data support a model whereby the internal organization of an ecosystem regulates the response to changes in a deterministic manner, the relative scales of disturbances and extinctions depending on the degree of interdependency within the system. Thus any contention that species interactions are not sufficiently intense to generate mass extinctions can be dismissed. Random walks generated by genetic drift and the transitory nature of n-dimensional niche space may explain why speciation is less deterministic than extinction. This content is PDF only. Please click on the PDF icon to access. First Page Preview Close Modal You do not currently have access to this article.