A novel approach to define evolutionary units in Phanerozoic reefs.

Abstract

Several researchers have attempted to subdivide the Phanerozoic record of reefs into discrete units. Modern analytical tools now enable an advanced categorization of Phanerozoic reefs and facilitate determination of underlying causes of large-scale reef evolution. The aim of this study is to subdivide the evolutionary history of reefs into discrete units to quantify evolutionary and ecologic change at the ecosystem level