Evolution: No extinction? No way!

Curr Biol. 2021 Jul 26;31(14):R907-R909. doi: 10.1016/j.cub.2021.05.044.

Abstract

The fossil record reveals rampant extinction. However, analyses of time-calibrated molecular phylogenies often find no extinction at all. A new paper shows that estimates of zero extinction are entirely incorrect and are caused by limitations of analysing phylogenies that sample only living species.

Publication types

  • Comment

MeSH terms

  • Extinction, Biological*
  • Fossils*
  • Phylogeny