Large-Scale Changes in Animal and Plant Terrestrial Communities

摘要: The fossil record of terrestrial plants and animals is reviewed discussed within the context large-scale patterns in composition taxonomic richness assemblages through time. evolution vertebrates seen to be closely tied use as food. However, until Permian it appears that major herbivores were arthropods. From Middle Upper Devonian, tetrapods may have been limited primary productivity seas lakes, since plant communities biomass geographic range. Simultaneous with appearance arborescent pteridophyte diversification insects, diversified radiated into numerous niches. By Permian, some appear become specialized herbivores. earliest reptiles insectivores. Tetrapod herbivory coincides a decline pteridophyte-dominated flora Paleoptera-dominated insect fauna. These latter two changes are explicable terms general shift global climate mesic xeric conditions. radiation shows repeated occurrence herbivorous lineages. Triassic-Jurassic, synapsid amniotes achieved mammal-like dentition possibly endothermy. end Mesozoic, most if not all ecologic roles currently occupied by mammals cursorial birds. physiologic advantages endothermy significant Mesozoic beginning Cenozoic. With change cooler conditions, nocturnal activity capable capitalizing on protein-rich diverse fauna important.