Work

Testing the Cambrian explosion hypothesis by using a molecular dating technique

Year: 1998

Type: article

Abstract: Molecular studies have the potential to shed light on the origin of the animal phyla by providing independent estimates of the divergence times, but have been criticized for failing to account adequately for variation in rate of evolution. A method of dating divergence times from molecular data addresses the criticisms of earlier studies and provides more realistic, but wider, confidence intervals. The data are not compatible with the Cambrian explosion hypothesis as an explanation for the origin of metazoan phyla, and provide additional support for an extended period of Precambrian metazoan diversification.

Source: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

DOI: 10.1073/pnas.95.21.12386

Authors: Lindell Bromham, Andrew Rambaut, Richard Fortey, Alan Cooper, David Penny

Institutions: Natural History Museum, University of Oxford, Massey University

Language: English

Topic: Evolution and Paleontology Studies

Subfield: Paleontology

Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: green

Funder: Wellcome Trust

OpenAlex ID: W2126267818

FWCI: 14.71

Cites: 35

Cited by: 147

Related to: 10