Ostracod recovery after Permian–Triassic boundary mass-extinction: the south Tibet record

Abstract

Lower to Middle Triassic ostracods from the Tulong section, south Tibet, are described here for the first time. Samples from the first two stages of the Early Triassic (Griesbachian and Dienerian) are barren of ostracods; the following stage (Smithian) revealed low diversity ostracod faunas; a substantial diversification in taxa began at the base of the fourth stage (Spathian) and developed into the first stage of the Middle Triassic (Anisian). Furthermore, exploration of additional feeding modes is developed in the Spathian and Anisian, with notable occurrence of filter-feeding taxa. High abundance of filter-feeding ostracods in Spathian and lower Anisian units indicates that benthic habitats became oligotrophic. These habitats typically harbored ostracod faunas of Mesozoic affinities, suggesting that the evolutionary turnover of ostracods was fostered by the declining input of nutrients from the Spathian on. Marked faunal similarities with other Tethyan areas, mainly the northern part of Tethys, are observed during Spathian and Anisian times.