Chapter 6using environmental niche modeling to study the late devonian biodiversity crisis

摘要: Abstract Geographic ranges are estimated for brachiopod and bivalve species during the late Middle (mid-Givetian) to middle Late (terminal Frasnian) Devonian investigate range changes time leading up including biodiversity crisis. Species were predicted using GARP (Genetic Algorithm Rule-set Prediction), a modeling program developed predict fundamental niches of modern species. This method was applied fossil examine changing critical period Earth's history. Comparisons distribution predictions with historical understanding occurrences indicate that models accurately presence common in some depositional settings. In addition, comparison species-range reconstructions from geographic information systems (GIS) analysis suggests has potential more completely tailor specifically environmental parameters than GIS methods alone. Thus, is potentially useful tool predicting can be used address wide array palaeontological problems. The use allows statistical examination relationship size withspecies survival Devonian. Large statistically associated sur-vivorship across crisis interval examined linguiformis Zone but not modeled preceding Lower varcus or punctata zones. enhanced venetif having large range, therefore, appears restricted interval.