GEOL 105 Study Guide - Final Guide: Homo Erectus, Molecular Clock, Aridification

• School: College of Charleston
• Department: Geology and Environmental Geosciences
• Course: GEOL 105
• Professor: Dr. Robert Boessenecker

Document Summary

No single explanation seems to be the be-all end-all trigger for the permian extinction. However, know which hypotheses are likely and the evidence associated with each (e. g. ocean acidification, aridification, ocean anoxia, volcanism, and others). Also know which groups are hit the hardest. How did these ecosystems respond and recover: ocean acidification=dissolves shells and impedes development of larval invertebrates, fossil assemblages=low diversity faunas with simple food webs (rare/nonexistent carnivores or omnivores, marine faunas recovered more quickly than terrestrial faunas. How does the end triassic extinction differ from the permo-triassic extinction: siberian traps eruption or anoxia and euxinia, large volcanic eruption vs. rapid increases in co2=precipitation=terrestrial weathering and transport of nutrients into ocean=decomposition of organic matter. How did terrestrial faunas and floras change from the triassic to today: origin of mammals, loss of vegetation biomass-small animal populations on land, marine faunas dominated by bivalves and micoronchids.