Species longevity as a function of niche breadth: Evidence from fossil crinoids

Abstract

Research Article| March 01, 1997 Species longevity as a function of niche breadth: Evidence from fossil crinoids Thomas W. Kammer; Thomas W. Kammer 1Department of Geology and Geography, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia 26506-6300 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Tomasz K. Baumiller; Tomasz K. Baumiller 2Museum of Paleontology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar William I. Ausich William I. Ausich 3Department of Geological Sciences, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Geology (1997) 25 (3): 219–222. https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1997)025<0219:SLAAFO>2.3.CO;2 Article history first online: 02 Jun 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation Thomas W. Kammer, Tomasz K. Baumiller, William I. Ausich; Species longevity as a function of niche breadth: Evidence from fossil crinoids. Geology 1997;; 25 (3): 219–222. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1997)025<0219:SLAAFO>2.3.CO;2 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyGeology Search Advanced Search Abstract High-resolution stratigraphic and taxonomic data indicate that species longevities among Paleozoic (Mississippian) crinoids (Echinodermata) were affected by differences in niche breadth. A strong positive relationship exists between niche breadth, measured as the number of environments occupied by a species, and stratigraphic range. The robustness of this pattern is verified by a variety of rarefaction and statistical techniques confirming the long-held supposition that among animals ecological "generalists" have greater species longevities than ecological "specialists." The results also support the hypothesis that specialist clades have higher species richness. This content is PDF only. Please click on the PDF icon to access. First Page Preview Close Modal You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.