Re: K-T calamities

[Matt Fraser <mattf+@xxxxxxxx>]

On Sat, 28 Jun 1997, N. MacLeod wrote:

<snip>

> Given this very approximate picture of a post-impact world we might ask
> whether the known pattern of terrestrial extinction and survivorship makes
> sense. Certainly the above scenario calls for extinctions to occur. But I
> think we should be trying for an explanation that says a bit more than "the
> K-T impact killed all the species all over the world, except for the ones
> it didn't kill." 

<snip>

Right. It probably wasn't like nuclear holocost.  That scenario seems
unnecessary to explain what happened, and, as you point out, doesn't
explain survivors very well. Seems that we have to stand on our heads
singing "Yankee Doodle" to fit the survivors into that dramatic scenario.
A sudden world wide drop in temperature of a few degrees might be all that
is needed for major changes in the balance of existing flora and fauna,
and then after that the "Brave New World" is open for adaptive radiations
- plenty of drama there!

Matt

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