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scpg02

When bivalves ruled the world

When bivalves ruled the world

Paleobiologist studies how elevated C02 affected ancient marine life

Contact: Margaret Fraiser
mfraiser@uwm.edu
414-229-3827
University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee

Quote:
Before the worst mass extinction of life in Earth’s history – 252 million years ago – ocean life was diverse and clam-like organisms called brachiopods dominated. After the calamity, when little else existed, a different kind of clam-like organism, called a bivalve, took over.

What can the separate fates of these two invertebrates tell scientists about surviving an extinction event"

A lot, says UWM paleoecologist Margaret Fraiser. Her research into this particular issue not only answers the question; it also supports a relatively new theory for the cause of the massive extinctions that occurred as the Permian period ended and the Triassic period began: toxic oceans created by too much atmospheric carbon dioxide (C02).

The theory is important because it could help scientists predict what would happen in the oceans during a modern “C02 event.” And it could give them an idea of what recovery time would be.


http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2007-08/uow--wbr083107.php
NileQueen

So do high levels of CO2 increase pH of oceans? If shallow-dwelling
bivalves (smaller ones) prevail in high CO2 conditions, does that mean
that pH is less in shallow water? Does this mean that the source of the acidity originates in the deep ocean?!!!
Andre

Another thing that has not been taken nto consideration as far as I know is the carbon itself. Where was it before it turned into limestones and scelton remains. After all the majority of the carbon on earth is in the limestone that slowly accumulated during the life of the Earth. But were was it before it turned into limestone?

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