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Phosphorus, phosphorites and skeletal evolution at the Precambrian—Cambrian boundary

Nature volume 308, pages 231–236 (1984)Cite this article

Abstract

Clustering of sedimentary phosphate deposits around the Precambrian–Cambrian boundary is related to a global phosphogenic event. This event probably resulted from a complex interplay of factors and had a profound effect on the biota, with high concentrations of phosphorus in the photic zone producing an increase in the total shallow marine biomass, faunal diversification, the precipitation of skeletal structures and explosive evolution.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Continental Geology, Bureau of Mineral Resources, PO Box 378, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia

    Peter J. Cook & John H. Shergold

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  1. Peter J. Cook
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Cook, P., Shergold, J. Phosphorus, phosphorites and skeletal evolution at the Precambrian—Cambrian boundary. Nature 308, 231–236 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1038/308231a0

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