Coral Reefs Are A Haven For Evolution
By Matt J. Weiss, January 14, 2010 @ 01:41 AM (EST)
Scientists from Berlin used fossil records to determine the evolutionary rate of coral reefs and found that they were higher than other habitats. According to the study published in the prestigious journal "Science," new species originate 50% faster in coral reefs.
The study used benthic organism fossils because the bottom dwelling animals are more easily fossilized on than organisms in the water column. They determined when each genus occurred and if it originated in coral reefs to determine the relative rate of coral reef evolution.
However, the lead scientist on the paper warned that the data would be more reliable if a fossils were examined by independent experts, rather than use data collected through literature.
That said, the paper was welcomed by coral reef lovers as it reiterates the importance of coral reefs to global biodiversity.
The study used benthic organism fossils because the bottom dwelling animals are more easily fossilized on than organisms in the water column. They determined when each genus occurred and if it originated in coral reefs to determine the relative rate of coral reef evolution.
However, the lead scientist on the paper warned that the data would be more reliable if a fossils were examined by independent experts, rather than use data collected through literature.
That said, the paper was welcomed by coral reef lovers as it reiterates the importance of coral reefs to global biodiversity.
Comments
Be the first to add a comment to this article.
You must be logged in to comment.
Related Content
January 25, 2011, 1:50PM
New research reveals the evolution behind the Seahorse's unique figure more
January 4, 2010, 2:48PM
Balikpapan Bay in East Kalimantan, the Indonesian portion of Borneo, is home to a diverse marine ecosystem that is being more
December 11, 2009, 10:00AM
Report from COP15 says oceans acidity has increased by 30% since Industrial Revolution more
August 16, 2009, 3:07AM
The partial remains of an ancient toothed whale species that roamed the ocean five million years ago have been discovered on a more
June 19, 2009, 6:25PM
Banning or restricting the use of certain types of fishing gear could help the world’s coral reefs and their fish populations more
Sponsors
Dive Industry News
What's New
