Analyzing the Potential Competitive Interaction between Corals-Rudists during the Mesozoic Using a Multivariate Birth-Death Model

Shymah, Beegam K. (2023) Analyzing the Potential Competitive Interaction between Corals-Rudists during the Mesozoic Using a Multivariate Birth-Death Model. Masters thesis, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata.

Text (MS dissertation of Shymah Beegam K (18MS011)) Thesis_18MS011.pdf - Submitted Version Restricted to Repository staff only Download (11MB)

Abstract

Understanding the ecological interactions between two competing holds great significance as it provides essential insights into the functioning of the past ecosystems and the drivers that influenced biodiversity across geological time. Here I investigate the potential competitive interactions between corals and rudists, which were believed to have competed in the Mesozoic. The analyses utilize a Multivariate Birth-Death model to examine whether different morphotypes of corals and rudists interacted competitively. The findings reveal no conclusive evidence of competitive interactions between corals and rudists during the Mesozoic. In fact, only in very few stratigraphic records do corals and rudists coexist. Rudists, particularly the elevator morphotype, had high morphological flexibility, which helped it to successfully explore different environments. This adaptability contributed to the increased diversity and success of rudists during the Cretaceous.

Actions (login required)

View Item