Biological events in the evolution of Mesozoic ostracoda

Abstract

Plotting the stratigraphical distribution of all ostracod species through the Mesozoic reveals major fluctuations in their evolutionary activity and diversity. These fluctuations, in many instances, correlate well with major Mesozoic boundaries and global geological events. At other times enhanced evolutionary activity seems to correlate with advances in, e.g., carapace articulation and sensorial ability. The major features of the evolution of Mesozoic Ostracoda seem therefore to be the product of a complex interaction of both extrinsic and intrinsic factors.