Whilst this Planet Has Gone Cycling On: What Role for Periodic Astronomical Phenomena in Large Scale Patterns in the History of Life?

TL;DR

This paper reviews evidence for long-term periodic cycles in biodiversity and extinction over tens of millions of years, exploring potential cosmic causes and addressing scientific debates on the topic.

Contribution

It synthesizes historical and recent evidence for periodicity in life's history and discusses possible astronomical mechanisms, advancing understanding of large-scale evolutionary patterns.

Findings

Evidence suggests possible long-term periodicity in biodiversity.

Solar system's motion in the Galaxy may influence extinction cycles.

Debates on the reality and causes of periodicity continue among scientists.

Abstract

One of the longstanding debates in the history of paleontology focuses on the issue of whether or not there have been long term cycles (operating over tens of millions of years) in biodiversity and extinction. Here we consider the history of this debate by connecting the skein from Grabau up to 2008. We focus on the evidence for periodicity that has emerged thus far, and conclude that there is indeed some evidence that periodicity may be real, though of course more work is needed. We also comment on possible causal mechanisms, focusing especially on the motion of our solar system in the Galaxy. Moreover, we consider the reasons why some scientists have opposed periodicity over the years. Finally, we consider the significance of this for our understanding of evolution and the history of life.