Changes in the Neoproterozoic phosphorus cycle

A study finds changes to the marine phosphorus cycle in the Ediacaran Period that may have contributed to the development of biological diversity and complexity. A major increase in the deposition of phosphorus-rich phosphorite rocks toward the end of the Proterozoic Eon accompanied increased availability of food and oxidants, and the appearance of macroscopic animals and significant populations of eukaryotic phytoplankton. Thomas Laakso, Andrew H. Knoll, and colleagues calculated the amount of phosphorus sedimentary rocks deposited toward the end of the Proterozoic Eon and early Phanerozoic Eon. The authors report that the increase in phosphorite deposition was not accompanied by a change in the median phosphorus content of all sedimentary rocks. The latter finding suggests that the increase was likely caused by the establishment of robust nutrient upwelling from the oceans and not by a change in terrestrial erosion. According to the authors, further self-sustaining biogeochemical changes likely led to conditions favorable for the emergence of large animals during the Ediacaran Period.

Article #19-16738: “Ediacaran reorganization of the marine phosphorus cycle,” by Thomas A. Laakso, Erik A. Sperling, David T. Johnston, and Andrew H. Knoll.

MEDIA CONTACT: Andrew H. Knoll, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA; e-mail:

[email protected]

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