The Cambrian record combines earlier lineage divergence with later ecological and skeletal expansion visible in exceptional deposits, small shelly fossils and trace fossils.
claim:event:cambrian-radiationCambrian radiation
Animal body plans, ecological interactions and mineralized skeletons expanded rapidly in the early Cambrian fossil record.
Represented range538.8–520 Ma
RegionsGlobal shallow seas
CladesArthropoda · Mollusca · Brachiopoda · Chordata
Claim ledger
References
- The Cambrian conundrum: early divergence and later ecological success in the early history of animalsErwin, D.H.; Laflamme, M.; Tweedt, S.M.; et al. · 2011 · DOI 10.1126/science.1206375