Theoretical size distribution of fossil taxa: analysis of a null model
Date
2007-03-22
Authors
Reed, William J
Hughes, Barry D
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
BioMed Central
Abstract
Background: This article deals with the theoretical size distribution (of number of sub-taxa) of a
fossil taxon arising from a simple null model of macroevolution.
Model: New species arise through speciations occurring independently and at random at a fixed
probability rate, while extinctions either occur independently and at random (background
extinctions) or cataclysmically. In addition new genera are assumed to arise through speciations of
a very radical nature, again assumed to occur independently and at random at a fixed probability
rate.
Conclusion: The size distributions of the pioneering genus (following a cataclysm) and of derived
genera are determined. Also the distribution of the number of genera is considered along with a
comparison of the probability of a monospecific genus with that of a monogeneric family.
Description
BioMed Central
Keywords
Citation
Reed and Hughes. Theoretical size distribution of fossil taxa. Theoretical Biology and Medical Modelling 2007, 4 :12