Overview
Research involving microscopic fossils suggests ocean acidification as a mechanism behind a major extinction event affecting planktic foraminifera approximately 113 million years ago. This event is described as one of the most severe extinctions in the history of these organisms.
Research Context
Planktic foraminifera are microscopic, shell-building organisms. These organisms are described as playing a role in regulating Earth's carbon cycle. The extinction event under investigation occurred 113 million years ago during the Cretaceous period.
Approach
The research involved the use of chemical clues embedded within microscopic fossils. These clues were analyzed by scientists to identify evidence related to past environmental conditions.
Findings
Scientists at Northwestern University identified evidence suggesting that ocean acidification was a driving factor in an extinction event among planktic foraminifera. This event is characterized as one of the largest in the historical record for this group of organisms. The evidence was derived from chemical analysis of 113-million-year-old marine fossils.
Why This Matters
The study provides insight into past extinction events and the factors that can drive them. Planktic foraminifera are involved in the Earth's carbon cycle, suggesting that events impacting these organisms could have broader ecological implications.