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Does Abundance Promote Survivorship During Background Extinction Intervals? A Case Study Using Bivalve Species from the Yorktown Formation
Baugh, Heather L.
Baugh, Heather L.
Abstract
Recent work suggests that abundance does not correlate with survivorship during mass extinction events; however, the link between abundance and survivorship during background intervals has yet to be tested. The purpose of this study is to quantify the correlation between survivorship, as measured via stratigraphic range, and abundance, in bivalve species from the Yorktown Formation (Pliocene). Three localities were sampled along the James River in southeastern Virginia. Stratigraphic sections were measured and described in terms of faunal content, lithology, and sedimentary structures. Thirty bulk samples were collected from the Sunken Meadow Member (Zone 1) of the Yorktown Formation. Samples were sieved through 2.80mm and 1mm sieves to remove sediment, and the fossil material was sorted and identified to the species level using literature descriptions. Raw abundance was compiled by counting individual valves and dividing in half. Rank and proportional abundance were derived from raw abundance. Species stratigraphic ranges were calculated from occurrence data available in the literature. The correlation between stratigraphic range and abundance was assessed primarily with non-parametric statistical analyses, and parametric when applicable. We found no statistically significant correlation between abundance and duration; however, a nonsignificant negative correlation was noted. These results conflict with the correlation observed between abundance and survivorship at ecological timescales suggesting that either the relationship is not preserved in the fossil record, or the ecological correlation has been exaggerated.
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2003-01-01
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Geology