FOR 736: The Precambrian-Cambrian Biosphere (R)evolution: Insights from Chinese Microcontinents

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The time interval including the Ediacaran (ca. 630-543 Ma) and the Cambrian (543-493 Ma) periods arguably represents the most dramatic time period in Earth's history, characterised by concurrent profound changes in global tectonics, in the chemistry of the hydro- and atmosphere and a possibly "explosive" but undisputed major radiation event of the biosphere. Preceding these events was one of the most severe climatic perturbations in Earth's history, documented by several world-wide glaciations, and followed by at least one equally extreme "greenhouse" scenario. These changes may have been ultimately triggered by rearrangement of the continental configuration, notably the formation and break-up of the supercontinent Rodinia.