K-Pg events facilitated lineage transitions between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems

Abstract

We use dated phylogenetic trees for tetrapod vertebrates to identify lineages that shifted between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems in terms of feeding or development, and to assess the timing of such events. Both stem and crown lineage ages indicate a peak in transition events in correspondence with the K-Pg mass extinction. This meets the prediction that changes in competitive pressure and resource availability following mass extinction events should facilitate such transitions.

Keywords: K-Pg extinctions; realm transitions; tetrapod vertebrates.