Historical Biology 

About: Historical Biology is an academic journal published by Taylor & Francis. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Biology & Paleontology. It has an ISSN identifier of 0891-2963. Over the lifetime, 2000 publications have been published receiving 24472 citations.

Biotic crises in the history of Upper Silurian graptoloids: A Palaeobiological model

Abstract: Four major biotic crises are recognized in the history of the Upper Silurian graptoloids. While the causes of extinction are largely unknown, the scenarios of the crises are fairly well ascertained. A model of recovery proposed here implies two alternatives: (1) some of the relic species exhibit great abundance frequently associated with a subnormal phenotype (the post‐event syndrome) and the ensuing rediversification involves indigenous speciation or (2) as a result of the lack of evolutionary response on the part of the local survivors, vacant habitats are filled by immigrants. Numerous cryptic and Lazarus taxa among the immigrants indicate the presence of pelagic refuges and centers of evolution. They may be identified as Central Water masses bounded by gyres.

Key evolutionary innovations and their ecological mechanisms

Abstract: Explanations for taxonomic diversity in a particular clade often implicate evolutionary innovations, possessed by members of the clade, that are thought to have favoured diversification. We review such “key innovation”; hypotheses, the ecological mechanisms involved, and potential tests of such hypotheses. Key innovation hypotheses can be supported by evidence of ecological mechanism and by comparative tests. We argue that both are necessary for convincing support. In fact, few key innovation hypotheses are currently backed by either one. We group ecological mechanisms of diversification in three major classes. Diversification may be spurred by innovations that: I) allow invasion of new adaptive zones; II) increase fitness, allowing one clade to replace another; or III) increase the propensity for reproductive or ecological specialization. Key innovations in different classes are likely to produce different evolutionary patterns, and therefore may be supported by different kinds of ecological evidence.

Aberrations in bivalve evolution related to photo‐ and chemosymbiosis

Abstract: By combining the effective ecospace with principles of constructional morphology, an evolutionary flow chart can be modeled that applies to most bivalve groups. It is speculated that some remarkable deviations from this scheme result from endosymbiosis with algae and bacteria that acted as deviators in bivalve evolution, but may also have increased the probability of their partners to become extinct. Solemyatuba nov. ichnogen. is erected for U‐tubes of presumed Solemya origin.

Why was there a delayed radiation after the end‐Palaeozoic extinctions?

Abstract: Data from widespread dysaerobic facies, carbon/sulphur ratios and cerium anomalies suggest that the early Triassic was a time when anoxic conditions spread widely over epicontinental seas. These conditions, associated with marine transgression following the latest Permian regression, are likely to be a prime cause of the mass extinction of Palaeozoic marine faunas. The occurrence of many Lazarus taxa in the Middle and Upper Triassic indicates, however, that the extinctions at the end of the Permian were less severe than has been widely assumed, and that the turnover from Palaeozoic to Mesozoic faunas was considerably extended in time, being finally accomplished only after the end‐Triassic mass extinction event.

Mass Prediction in Theropod Dinosaurs

Abstract: Body size is a crucial life history parameter for an organism. Therefore, mass estimation for fossil species is important for many kinds of analyses. Several attempts have been made to yield equations applicable to dinosaurs. In this paper, we offer bi- and multivariate equations based on log transformed appendicular skeleton data from a sample of 16 theropods which were known from reasonably complete skeletal remains, and spanning a wide size range. Body masses of the included taxa had been found by displacement methods of scale models, based on measurements taken directly on the mounted skeletons. Seven of the bivariate regression analyses resulted in correlation coefficients equal to or above 0.975 and femoral length was the best available measurement (r=0.995; standard error of the estimate (%SEE)=19.26; percent prediction error ( {\rm %PE) = 13.81} ). Also, 32 multivariate analyses yielded equations with high correlation coefficients (r>0.990) and low standard errors.