8.3 Vertebrate and invertebrate paleoecology in terrestrial systems
5 min read•august 7, 2024
Vertebrates and invertebrates in terrestrial systems have unique adaptations for life on land. From evolving lungs and sturdy limbs to arthropods developing waxy cuticles, these creatures found ways to thrive in diverse habitats.
Niche partitioning and adaptive radiation led to a wide variety of species. , taphonomic processes, and paleobiogeographic patterns help us reconstruct ancient ecosystems and understand how extinction events shaped life on Earth.
Terrestrial Fauna
Tetrapod Adaptations and Diversity
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- Tetrapods, four-limbed vertebrates, evolved from lobe-finned fish and adapted to life on land
- Developed lungs for breathing air, allowing them to survive out of water
- Evolved sturdy limbs and a robust skeletal structure to support their body weight on land ()
- Modified their skin to prevent water loss and protect against UV radiation ()
- Tetrapods diversified into various lineages, occupying different ecological niches
- Amphibians remained tied to water for reproduction but exploited terrestrial habitats ()
- Reptiles developed amniotic eggs, enabling them to reproduce on land and colonize arid environments ()
- Mammals and birds evolved endothermy, allowing them to maintain constant body temperatures and thrive in diverse climates (, )
Terrestrial Arthropod Adaptations
- Terrestrial arthropods, such as insects and arachnids, underwent adaptations to survive on land
- Developed a waxy cuticle to prevent desiccation and maintain water balance ()
- Evolved a tracheal system for efficient gas exchange, enabling them to breathe air directly ()
- Adapted their mouthparts for feeding on various food sources, including plants and other organisms ()
- Terrestrial arthropods played crucial roles in early terrestrial ecosystems
- Served as primary consumers, decomposers, and prey for other organisms
- Contributed to nutrient cycling and soil formation through their activities
Niche Partitioning and Adaptive Radiation
- Niche partitioning involves the division of resources among coexisting species to minimize competition
- Tetrapods and arthropods occupied different microhabitats, such as arboreal, fossorial, and aquatic niches
- Specialized in different food sources, such as herbivory, carnivory, and omnivory (, Meganeura, )
- Adaptive radiation refers to the rapid diversification of a lineage into multiple species adapted to different ecological niches
- Tetrapods underwent adaptive radiation, giving rise to diverse groups like amphibians, reptiles, mammals, and birds
- Arthropods experienced adaptive radiation, resulting in the emergence of various orders and families with distinct morphologies and behaviors (, )
Paleoecological Indicators
Trace Fossils and Paleoecological Inferences
- Trace fossils are physical evidence of biological activity, such as tracks, trails, and burrows
- Provide insights into the behavior, locomotion, and habitat preferences of extinct organisms
- Reveal information about the substrate consistency and environmental conditions at the time of formation (, )
- Burrows are structures created by organisms for dwelling, feeding, or protection
- Reflect the burrowing habits and adaptations of the trace-maker
- Indicate the presence of infaunal organisms and the oxygenation levels of the sediment (, )
- are fossilized feces that offer valuable paleoecological information
- Contain undigested remains of the trace-maker's diet, revealing trophic relationships and food web dynamics
- Provide insights into the digestive processes and gut contents of extinct organisms (, )
Taphonomic Processes and Paleoecological Implications
- studies the processes that affect organisms from death to fossilization
- Includes (pre-burial processes) and (post-burial changes)
- Influences the preservation potential and fidelity of fossil remains
- Taphonomic biases can affect the interpretation of paleoecological patterns
- Differential preservation of hard and soft tissues can skew the representation of organisms in the fossil record
- Transport and sorting of remains can lead to the mixing of fossils from different habitats or time periods (, )
- Understanding taphonomic processes helps reconstruct the original paleoecological context
- Allows for the distinction between in situ and allochthonous fossil assemblages
- Provides insights into the depositional environment, burial conditions, and post-mortem modifications (, )
Paleoecological Patterns
Reconstructing Paleohabitats
- are ancient environments inferred from geological and paleontological evidence
- Lithology, sedimentary structures, and geochemical proxies provide information about the physical and chemical conditions
- Fossil assemblages, including body and trace fossils, reflect the biotic components and ecological interactions
- Paleohabitat reconstruction involves the integration of multiple lines of evidence
- Sedimentological data indicate the depositional setting, such as fluvial, lacustrine, or marine environments (, )
- Paleoclimatic indicators, such as stable isotopes and paleosols, provide insights into temperature, precipitation, and atmospheric conditions
- Fossil flora and fauna offer clues about the vegetation structure, trophic relationships, and environmental preferences (, Dinosaur Park Formation)
Paleobiogeographic Patterns and Processes
- Paleobiogeography examines the spatial distribution of organisms and ecosystems through geologic time
- Influenced by plate tectonics, , and evolutionary events
- Reflects the dispersal, vicariance, and extinction of lineages across different regions
- Paleobiogeographic patterns reveal the connections and barriers between landmasses
- Shared fossil taxa indicate past connections or dispersal routes (, )
- Endemic taxa suggest isolation and unique evolutionary histories (, )
- Studying paleobiogeographic patterns helps understand the evolutionary and ecological dynamics of terrestrial ecosystems
- Provides insights into the diversification and extinction of lineages in response to changing environmental conditions
- Allows for the reconstruction of past biotic provinces and the tracking of faunal and floral migrations (, )
Extinction Events and Paleoecological Consequences
- Extinction events are episodes of widespread and rapid loss of biodiversity
- Can be caused by various factors, such as climate change, volcanic eruptions, and extraterrestrial impacts
- Have profound effects on the structure and functioning of ecosystems
- Mass extinctions, such as the End-Permian and End-Cretaceous events, have shaped the history of terrestrial life
- Resulted in the disappearance of dominant groups and the ecological reorganization of communities
- Opened up ecological opportunities for the survivors and facilitated the radiation of new lineages (mammal diversification after the )
- Studying extinction events provides insights into the resilience and recovery of ecosystems
- Helps understand the long-term consequences of biodiversity loss and the factors that contribute to ecosystem stability
- Offers lessons for predicting and mitigating the impacts of current and future environmental changes (, climate change)
Key Terms to Review (45)
Acanthostega: Acanthostega is an early vertebrate that lived around 365 million years ago during the Devonian period, known for being one of the first tetrapods. This organism showcases key adaptations for life both in water and on land, highlighting the evolutionary transition from fish to amphibians and offering insight into the early stages of vertebrate colonization of terrestrial environments.
Allosaurus: Allosaurus was a large carnivorous dinosaur that lived during the Late Jurassic period, approximately 155 to 150 million years ago. Known for its distinctive skull and sharp teeth, it was one of the dominant predators of its time, playing a crucial role in the terrestrial ecosystems of the Jurassic period.
Anthropocene: The Anthropocene is a proposed geological epoch that marks the significant impact of human activities on the Earth’s geology and ecosystems. This term highlights how human actions, such as industrialization, urbanization, and agricultural practices, have led to dramatic changes in the planet's environment, climate, and biodiversity. Understanding the Anthropocene is crucial for examining how vertebrate and invertebrate species have adapted or responded to these transformations in terrestrial ecosystems.
Archaeopteryx: Archaeopteryx is an ancient bird-like dinosaur that lived during the Late Jurassic period, around 150 million years ago, and is considered a critical link in the evolution of birds from theropod dinosaurs. This species showcases a blend of avian and reptilian features, such as feathers and wings alongside teeth and a long tail, highlighting the transition from dinosaurs to modern birds.
Australia: Australia is a continent and country located in the Southern Hemisphere, known for its diverse ecosystems and unique wildlife. Its geological history plays a significant role in understanding vertebrate and invertebrate paleoecology, particularly how species adapted to terrestrial environments over millions of years.
Biostratinomy: Biostratinomy refers to the study of the processes that affect organic remains after they are deposited in sediments and before they become fossilized. It focuses on how biological, chemical, and physical factors influence the preservation and alteration of these remains in their environment. Understanding biostratinomy is crucial for interpreting taphonomic processes across various environments, ensuring accurate fossil documentation and collection, and examining the ecological dynamics of vertebrates and invertebrates in terrestrial systems.
Burgess Shale: The Burgess Shale is a fossil-rich deposit located in the Canadian Rockies, dating back to the Cambrian period, around 505 million years ago. It is renowned for its exceptional preservation of soft-bodied organisms, which offers invaluable insights into early marine life and the evolution of complex ecosystems. This site connects to various ecological and evolutionary themes, showcasing how ancient organisms interacted and adapted within their environments.
Chinle Formation: The Chinle Formation is a sedimentary rock formation found primarily in the western United States, known for its rich fossil record from the Late Triassic period. This formation provides crucial insights into ancient ecosystems, including both vertebrate and invertebrate life, as well as climatic conditions during the time it was deposited.
Climate Change: Climate change refers to significant and lasting alterations in temperature, precipitation, wind patterns, and other elements of the Earth's climate system over extended periods. This concept is pivotal in understanding historical ecological shifts, adaptations, and the dynamics of biodiversity across different geological epochs.
Coprolites: Coprolites are fossilized feces that provide valuable information about the diet and behavior of ancient organisms. They are considered important biological proxies, as they can reveal insights into the ecological interactions and environments of past ecosystems, linking them to various fossil types and the relationships between plants and animals.
Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary: The Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary marks a significant geological event that occurred approximately 66 million years ago, signifying the transition from the Cretaceous period to the Paleogene period. This boundary is best known for the mass extinction event that led to the demise of around 75% of Earth's species, including non-avian dinosaurs, and it fundamentally altered terrestrial ecosystems and evolutionary trajectories of vertebrates and invertebrates.
Diadectes: Diadectes is an extinct genus of large, herbivorous amphibians that lived during the late Paleozoic era, specifically in the Cisuralian to Guadalupian periods. This genus is significant as it represents one of the earliest groups of terrestrial vertebrates, bridging the evolutionary gap between amphibians and early amniotes, highlighting key adaptations in terrestrial ecosystems.
Diagenesis: Diagenesis refers to the physical and chemical processes that sediments undergo after deposition and during their transformation into sedimentary rock. This includes compaction, cementation, and chemical alterations that can affect the original materials, significantly influencing the fossil record and the interpretation of paleoecological conditions.
Dimetrodon: Dimetrodon is an extinct genus of synapsid that lived during the Cisuralian (Early Permian) period, characterized by its distinctive sail-like structure on its back formed by elongated neural spines. This prehistoric creature is often mistaken for a dinosaur but is actually more closely related to mammals, making it a key figure in understanding vertebrate evolution and paleoecology in terrestrial environments.
End-cretaceous event: The end-cretaceous event refers to a mass extinction event that occurred approximately 66 million years ago, marking the end of the Cretaceous period and the demise of about 75% of Earth's species, including the non-avian dinosaurs. This event is significant as it drastically reshaped terrestrial ecosystems, allowing for the rise of mammals and birds in the subsequent Paleogene period.
End-Permian event: The end-Permian event, also known as the Permian-Triassic extinction event, was the largest mass extinction in Earth's history, occurring around 252 million years ago. This catastrophic event resulted in the loss of approximately 90-96% of marine species and around 70% of terrestrial vertebrate species, profoundly impacting the evolution of life on Earth. The event reshaped ecosystems and opened niches for new forms of life, particularly during the Mesozoic era.
Eryops: Eryops is a genus of extinct amphibian that lived during the late Paleozoic era, specifically in the Early Permian period. This creature is significant in the study of vertebrate evolution, particularly as it represents an important transition from aquatic to terrestrial life in the evolutionary history of amphibians.
Glossopteris flora: Glossopteris flora refers to a distinctive group of seed ferns that thrived during the late Paleozoic era, particularly in the Permian period. These plants were characterized by their tongue-shaped leaves and are significant for their widespread distribution across the southern continents, indicating past connections in the landmasses. The study of Glossopteris flora helps paleontologists understand ancient ecosystems and the biogeographical patterns that influenced the evolution of terrestrial systems.
Gondwana: Gondwana was a supercontinent that existed from the Late Precambrian to the Jurassic period, comprising present-day South America, Africa, Antarctica, Australia, and the Indian subcontinent. It played a crucial role in shaping the paleogeography and biodiversity of ancient terrestrial ecosystems and influenced the distribution of both vertebrate and invertebrate species across these regions.
Hylonomus: Hylonomus is considered one of the earliest known reptiles, dating back to the Late Carboniferous period around 315 million years ago. This small, lizard-like creature is significant because it represents an important evolutionary step in the transition from amphibians to reptiles, marking the beginnings of the amniotes, a group of animals that lay eggs on land or retain them within the mother’s body.
Ichthyostega: Ichthyostega is an extinct genus of vertebrate that lived during the Late Devonian period, approximately 365 million years ago. Known as one of the earliest known amphibians, ichthyostega played a crucial role in the transition from aquatic to terrestrial life, showcasing adaptations that allowed it to inhabit both water and land environments.
K-Pg Extinction: The K-Pg extinction, formerly known as the K-T extinction, was a mass extinction event that occurred approximately 66 million years ago, marking the boundary between the Cretaceous and Paleogene periods. This event is famous for leading to the demise of approximately 75% of Earth's species, including the non-avian dinosaurs, and significantly reshaped terrestrial ecosystems and biodiversity.
Konservat-lagerstätten: Konservat-lagerstätten are exceptional fossil sites where the conditions have allowed for the remarkable preservation of organisms, including soft tissues, often resulting in detailed and well-preserved fossils. These sites are crucial for understanding the ecology and evolution of both vertebrate and invertebrate life in terrestrial systems, as they provide insights into the organisms' morphology and behavior that are rarely captured in more common fossil deposits.
Lagerstätten: Lagerstätten are sedimentary deposits known for their exceptional preservation of fossils, often showcasing a remarkable level of detail that provides insights into ancient ecosystems. These unique sites are crucial for understanding taphonomic processes as they capture the moments of fossilization in various environments, revealing the interplay between biological and geological factors. Their rich fossil records allow scientists to study both vertebrate and invertebrate paleoecology, contributing significantly to our understanding of past life forms and their interactions within terrestrial systems.
Madagascar: Madagascar is the fourth largest island in the world, located off the southeastern coast of Africa. It is known for its unique biodiversity, including many species that are found nowhere else on Earth, which offers rich insights into vertebrate and invertebrate paleoecology, particularly in terrestrial ecosystems.
Mass extinction: Mass extinction refers to a widespread and rapid decrease in the biodiversity on Earth, where a significant percentage of species go extinct in a relatively short period of geological time. These events are often triggered by catastrophic events, such as volcanic eruptions, climate change, or asteroid impacts, and have profound effects on ecosystems and evolutionary trajectories. Understanding mass extinction helps researchers analyze past biodiversity patterns and the resilience of various organisms in both vertebrate and invertebrate paleoecology as well as the preservation biases that influence paleoecological interpretations.
Meganeura: Meganeura is an extinct genus of large dragonfly-like insects that lived during the Carboniferous period, around 300 million years ago. These remarkable creatures are notable for their impressive wingspans, reaching up to 75 centimeters, making them some of the largest flying insects to have ever existed. Their size and ecological role are significant in understanding the evolution of terrestrial ecosystems, particularly in relation to vertebrates and invertebrates.
Morganucodon: Morganucodon is an extinct genus of early mammals that lived during the late Triassic to early Jurassic periods, approximately 205 million years ago. It is often recognized as one of the earliest known mammals, showcasing a blend of reptilian and mammalian features, which provides crucial insights into the evolution of vertebrates in terrestrial ecosystems.
Morrison Formation: The Morrison Formation is a geological formation from the Late Jurassic period, primarily found in the western United States, and is renowned for its rich fossil content, particularly of dinosaurs. This formation provides key insights into terrestrial paleoecology, showcasing diverse vertebrate and invertebrate species that inhabited these ancient environments, revealing the ecological dynamics of that time.
Ophiomorpha: Ophiomorpha refers to a genus of brittle stars, which are echinoderms closely related to starfish. These organisms play an important role in marine ecosystems, particularly in nutrient cycling and as a food source for various marine animals. Ophiomorpha is especially significant in the context of vertebrate and invertebrate paleoecology, as they help scientists understand past marine environments and the relationships between different species within those systems.
Palaeodictyoptera: Palaeodictyoptera refers to an extinct order of insects that thrived during the Paleozoic era, particularly in the Carboniferous and Permian periods. These insects are significant for their unique morphological features and their role in early terrestrial ecosystems, marking important evolutionary developments in both vertebrate and invertebrate paleoecology.
Paleohabitats: Paleohabitats refer to the ancient environments in which organisms lived, showcasing the ecological conditions of the past. Understanding paleohabitats is crucial for reconstructing the history of life on Earth, as they reveal how different species adapted to their surroundings and how those environments changed over time, particularly in relation to vertebrate and invertebrate interactions within terrestrial systems.
Pangaea: Pangaea was a supercontinent that existed during the late Paleozoic and early Mesozoic eras, approximately 335 to 175 million years ago. This massive landmass brought together nearly all of Earth's landmasses into one interconnected body, which significantly impacted the distribution of species and ecosystems. The formation and subsequent breakup of Pangaea played a crucial role in shaping the planet's biological and geological history.
Permian-Triassic Transition: The Permian-Triassic Transition marks the boundary between the Permian and Triassic geological periods, occurring around 252 million years ago. This period is significant for being the largest mass extinction event in Earth's history, which led to the extinction of approximately 90% of marine species and 70% of terrestrial vertebrate species. The aftermath of this transition set the stage for the rise of new life forms and ecosystems in the Triassic period.
Pneumodesmus newmani: Pneumodesmus newmani is an extinct genus of primitive air-breathing land arthropod that lived during the late Silurian period, around 425 million years ago. This organism is notable for being one of the earliest known terrestrial arthropods, showcasing a significant evolutionary transition from aquatic to terrestrial life, which is crucial for understanding vertebrate and invertebrate paleoecology in terrestrial systems.
Protichnites: Protichnites refers to a type of trace fossil that represents the movement and behavior of ancient organisms, primarily focused on their locomotion patterns. These fossils are particularly important in understanding the ecology and environmental conditions of terrestrial systems, as they provide insights into how both vertebrates and invertebrates interacted with their surroundings and each other.
Rhyniella praecursor: Rhyniella praecursor is an extinct species of primitive hexapod that lived during the Silurian period, approximately 400 million years ago. As one of the earliest known terrestrial arthropods, it plays a crucial role in understanding the evolution of invertebrate life on land, marking a significant step in the colonization of terrestrial ecosystems.
Skolithos: Skolithos refers to a distinctive trace fossil that represents the vertical burrows created by marine invertebrates, specifically ichnofossils formed by organisms such as polychaete worms. These structures are often found in ancient sedimentary rocks and provide important insights into the behavior and ecology of the burrowing organisms during various geological periods. Their presence helps paleontologists understand the sedimentary environments and biotic interactions in both marine and terrestrial systems.
Solnhofen Limestone: Solnhofen Limestone is a well-known sedimentary rock formation located in Bavaria, Germany, that dates back to the Late Jurassic period, around 150 million years ago. This formation is famous for its exceptional preservation of fossils, including vertebrates and invertebrates, which provide critical insights into the ecosystems of ancient terrestrial environments.
Taphonomy: Taphonomy is the study of the processes that affect the decay, preservation, and fossilization of organisms after death. This field examines how biological and environmental factors contribute to the formation of fossils, helping to understand the conditions necessary for preservation and the biases introduced in the fossil record.
Tetrapods: Tetrapods are a group of vertebrates that have four limbs or limb-like structures, including amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. They evolved from lobe-finned fish during the Devonian period, marking a significant transition from aquatic to terrestrial life. This transition allowed tetrapods to exploit new habitats and ecological niches on land, fundamentally altering the biodiversity of terrestrial ecosystems.
Thalassinoides: Thalassinoides is a trace fossil representing burrows created by marine invertebrates, primarily crustaceans, in sedimentary environments. These burrows are typically U-shaped and can be found in various geological settings, providing insights into the behavior and ecology of ancient organisms and their interactions with sedimentary substrates.
Trace fossils: Trace fossils are geological records of biological activity, rather than the remains of the organisms themselves. They include footprints, burrows, feces, and other markings that provide insights into the behavior, movement, and interaction of ancient organisms with their environment. These fossils are crucial for reconstructing past ecosystems and understanding the evolution of life.
Trigonotarbida: Trigonotarbida refers to an extinct group of arachnids that existed from the Silurian to the end of the Permian period. These ancient creatures played a significant role in terrestrial ecosystems and provide important insights into the evolution of arachnids and their ecological interactions with both vertebrates and invertebrates.
Tyrannosaurus: Tyrannosaurus, often referred to as T. rex, was a large carnivorous dinosaur that lived during the late Cretaceous period, approximately 68 to 66 million years ago. This iconic theropod is one of the most well-known dinosaurs, characterized by its massive skull, powerful jaws, and tiny arms. As a dominant predator of its time, Tyrannosaurus played a significant role in the terrestrial ecosystems it inhabited, influencing both vertebrate and invertebrate communities.