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Chapter 13: Problem 7

The letters following each Review Question refer to the corresponding Learning Objective from the Chapter Opener. How did the Cambrian explosion of life change the nature of the living world? (E)

Short Answer

Expert verified
The Cambrian explosion significantly changed the nature of the living world by increasing biodiversity with the emergence of various multicellular organisms, leading to the evolution of complex life forms with specialized organs and body structures, and transforming marine ecosystems through the development of new predator-prey relationships and evolutionary strategies. This event marked a major turning point in the history of life on Earth.

Step by step solution

01

Introduction

The Cambrian explosion was an event that occurred approximately 541 million years ago, during which a significant increase in the diversity of life forms happened within a relatively short period. This explosion led to various changes in the living world, affecting marine ecosystems, species diversity, and the evolution of complex life forms.
02

Impact on Biodiversity

Before the Cambrian explosion, most life forms were relatively simple and composed primarily of single-celled organisms. The Cambrian explosion led to the emergence of a wide variety of multicellular organisms, including ancestors of modern animals such as mollusks, arthropods, and echinoderms. This increase in biodiversity during the Cambrian explosion resulted in a more complex and diverse living world, with new types of interactions between species.
03

Evolution of Complex Life Forms

During the Cambrian explosion, there was a rapid diversification of body plans and the evolution of new anatomical features. This led to the emergence of complex life forms with specialized organs, tissues, and body structures. The arising complexity in body plans allowed for adaptation to different environments, thereby expanding the range of habitats that organisms could inhabit.
04

Changes in Marine Ecosystems

The Cambrian explosion had a significant impact on marine ecosystems, as many of the new species that evolved during this time were marine animals. This rapid diversification led to the development of new predator-prey relationships, and the evolution of defensive and predatory strategies, such as hard shells and sharp spines. These new relationships and strategies resulted in a more complex and dynamic marine ecosystem, with various species competing for resources and adapting to their environment.
05

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Cambrian explosion of life changed the nature of the living world by increasing biodiversity, leading to the evolution of complex life forms, and transforming marine ecosystems. This event marked a major turning point in the history of Earth's life and set the stage for the subsequent evolution of more advanced organisms.

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