DYNAMICS OF THE MARINE FAUNAL DIVERSITY IN THE PHANEROZOIC: A NEW APPROACH

Abstract

The dynamics of the marine faunal diversity in the Phanerozoic are analyzed on the basis of the total duration of genera (D). The diagramatic representation of D is more regular and thus easier to interpret than the well-known curve of the number of genera (NG). Four periods when D increased at constant rates are identified. These periods of linear growth are separated by crisis periods. The constant rates of D form a rather strict geometric progression. This progression is the first quantitative pattern in the dynamics of the marine faunal diversity of the Phanerozoic that is obeyed so accurately.