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Environmental Convergence

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Dynamic Paleontology

Part of the book series: Springer Geology ((SPRINGERGEOL))

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Abstract

Why do characteristic features of the Proterozoic sea floor reappear in Mesozoic lake strata? The reappearance is a case of environmental convergence, where very similar environmental/ecological settings appear at widely separated moments in geological time. In this and other cases, non symmetry in the fossilized biofilms is key to recognition of ancient organo sedimentary structures. These can appear at any time or in any place when aquatic conditions permit.

The huge iguanodon might reappear in the woods, and the ichthyosaur in the sea, while the pterodactyl might flit again through the umbrageous groves of tree ferns.

Charles Lyell (1797–1875)

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geology and Geography, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, MA, USA

    Mark A. S. McMenamin

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  1. Mark A. S. McMenamin
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Correspondence to Mark A. S. McMenamin .

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McMenamin, M.A.S. (2016). Environmental Convergence. In: Dynamic Paleontology. Springer Geology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-22777-1_4

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