What Triggered the Cambrian Explosion? - Rachel Wood

Explore the triggers of the Cambrian Explosion in this illuminating lecture by Professor Rachel Wood from the University of Edinburgh. Delve into the roots of this revolutionary period in Earth's history, which saw the rise of diverse animal groups around 540 million years ago. Examine the series of pulses in seawater oxygen stability during the Ediacaran to Cambrian interval and their correlation with animal diversification and increased body size. Investigate the biological control of carbonate production driven by the rise of predation. Learn about the carbon cycle, iron speciation, and oxygen control while exploring evidence from Namibia and the Burgess Shale. Analyze the Lilliput effect, sea water chemistry, and ecological factors that contributed to this pivotal moment in evolution. Gain insights into the complex interplay of geological and biological processes that shaped the Cambrian Explosion and set the stage for the diversity of life we see today.