Current understanding on the Cambrian Explosion: questions and answers

Abstract The Cambrian Explosion by nature is a three-phased explosion of animal body plans alongside episodic biomineralization, pulsed change generic diversity, size variation, and progressive increase ecosystem complexity. was time crown groups nested numbers stem with high-rank taxonomy Linnaean system (classes above). Some temporarily succeeded while others were ephemeral underrepresented few taxa. high number in the early history animals major reason for morphological gaps across phyla that we see today. Most phylum-level clades achieved their maximal disparity (or breadth) during interval close to first appearance fossil record Cambrian, whereas others, principally arthropods chordates, exhibit exploration morphospace subsequent Phanerozoic. overall envelope metazoan occupation already broad though it did not reach nor has diminished significantly as consequence extinction since Cambrian. Intrinsic extrinsic causes extensively discussed but they are merely prerequisites Explosion. Without molecular evolution, there could be no However, developmental alone insufficient explain Time-equivalent environmental changes often considered causes, coincidence also establish causality. Like any other evolutionary event, ecology make possible ecological processes failed cause burst new radiations. polythetic event natural manifested many aspects. No simple, single can entire phenomenon.