PHOSPHORUS, PHOSPHORITES AND SKELETAL EVOLUTION AT THE PRECAMBRIAN CAMBRIAN BOUNDARY

Clustering of sedimentary phosphate deposits around the Precambrian-Cambrian boundary is related to a global phosphogenic event. This event probably resulted from a complex interplay of factors and profoundly affected the biota, with high concentrations of P in the photic zone producing an increase in the total shallow marine biomass, faunal diversification, the precipitation of skeletal structures and explosive evolution.