Self-similarity of extinction statistics in the fossil record

Article Abstract:

Dynamic evolutionary processes over geological timescales are not clear, although analyses of fossil records have pointed towards possible periodicity in mass extinctions. Fluctuations in the evolutionary record could result from intrinsic non-linear dynamics. The statistical fluctuation structure of several time series are explored, using paleontological data bases, in particular Fossil Record 2, and the data showed self-similar fluctuations, supporting the notion that nonlinear biosphere response to perturbations is the main distribution mechanism of extinction events.

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Fossil fish up for election

Article Abstract:

AM101607, a newly-discovered bony-fish fossil from southeastern Australia, appears ray-fin-like, but also shows some characteristics previously seen only in lobe-finned fishes and others seen only in placoderms and chondrichthyans. It has some features never found in either lob-finned or ray-finned fishes, such as an eyestalk. As a result, eyestalks can no longer be seen as unique to chondrichthyans and placoderms. This and other research challenges conventional wisdom about the relationships among the major groups of primitive back-boned animals.

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Hydrodynamic stimuli and the fish lateral line

Article Abstract:

The ability of fish to perceive minute motions in water through lateral-line systems is examined in detail.

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