The Cambrian Explosion: Triggers and Drivers - Rachel Wood

Explore the fascinating mystery of the Cambrian Explosion in this 55-minute lecture by Rachel Wood from the University of Edinburgh. Delve into the rapid emergence of animal life on Earth 540-520 million years ago, examining the appearance of major modern groups, complex food webs, and a significant increase in animal abundance and biodiversity. Investigate potential internal (genetic) and external (physicochemical) processes that may have driven this revolutionary event. Gain insights into the unique conditions of Earth during this period, including tropical continental land masses, absence of polar ice caps, and lower atmospheric oxygen levels. Discover how new forms of developmental gene regulatory networks, pulses of oxygenation, and ecological feedbacks played crucial roles in this pivotal moment in the history of life. Unravel the ongoing puzzle of the Cambrian Explosion's triggers and their profound impact on Earth's evolutionary trajectory.