The recovery of terrestrial vertebrate diversity in the South African Karoo Basin after the end-Permian extinction

摘要: Abstract The southern half of the main Karoo Basin in South Africa contains an almost continuous stratigraphic record terrestrial sedimentation through Permo-Triassic boundary (PTB). Detailed logging multiple sections sequence has defined end-Permian mass extinction event using vertebrate fossils as well a synchronous change fluvial style reflecting rapid aridification climate. Field data demonstrates 69% Late Permian vertebrates lasting some 300 kyr terminating at PTB, followed by lesser (31%) approximately 160 kyr later involving four survivor taxa that crossed PTB. Early Triassic recovery fauna comprises proterosuchian archosauromorphs (Proterosuchus), small amphibians (Micropholis, Lydekkerina), procolophonoids (‘Owenetta’ kitchingorum, Procolophon), medium-sized dicynodonts (Lystrosaurus) and insectivorous cynodonts (Progalesaurus, Galesaurus, Thrinaxodon). Taphonomic bias towards preferential preservation drought accumulations probably over-emphasized abundance diversity semi aquatic burrowing animals. To cite this article: R. Smith, J. Botha, C. R. Palevol 4 (2005).