The Drivers of Mesozoic Neoselachian Success and Resilience

The modern diversity of sharks, skates, and rays (Neoselachii) is the result of various diversification and extinction events during the Mesozoic (252–66 Ma). However, the key drivers of their diversity patterns remain poorly understood despite all the progress that has been accomplished in recent years. Here, we show that the interplay of climatic- and tectonic-linked trajectories, resulting in a high shallow marine habitat availability and lower atmospheric CO2 concentration, were significant drivers and sustainers of Mesozoic neoselachian diversity. We show, for the first time, that higher atmospheric CO2 content negatively affected neoselachian diversity in the past. The recognized gradual faunal changes throughout the Mesozoic and the two major diversification events during the Jurassic and Cretaceous, respectively, ultimately cumulated in an all-time diversity high in the Palaeogene despite the events during the end-Cretaceous extinction event, highlighting their remarkable resilience and adaptability despite severe environmental challenges. We thus provide novel perspectives on the processes underlying neoselachian diversification since the Mesozoic that contribute importantly to a better understanding of the selective forces that have shaped the long-term evolution and diversification of neoselachians. Given their vital role in modern ecosystems, our results provide information about possible future trends in the face of the current climate crisis.