The astronomical pulse of global extinction events.
The linkage between astronomical cycles and the periodicity of mass extinctions is reviewed and discussed. In particular, the apparent 26 million year cycle of global extinctions may be related to the motion of the solar system around the galaxy, especially perpendicular to the galactic plane. The potential relevance of Milankovitch cycles is also explored in the light of current evidence for the possible causes of extinction events over a geological timescale.
Lewis
David F V
DF
School of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 7XH, UK. d.lewis@surrey.ac.uk
Dorne
Jean-Lou C M
JL
D000818:Animals; D001272:Atmosphere / Q000737:chemistry; D005075:Biological Evolution; D002965:Classification; D018559:Exobiology; D055593:Geological Phenomena; D005844:Geology; D010100:Oxygen; D010507:Periodicity; D011157:Population Dynamics
D010100:Oxygen