Story perspectives

Coccolithophores: Ancient Marine Plankton That Reshaped Ecosystems

10/21/2025

49 8

Summary

Story summary

Coccolithophores (marine calcifiers) first appeared in the Early–Middle Triassic, about 243 million years ago.
Ghost fossils indicate coccolithophores were the first pelagic plankton to biocalcify, reshaping marine ecosystems after the end-Permian mass extinction.
Their diversification accelerated after the end-Triassic mass extinction, coinciding with ecological changes that allowed their proliferation.
The study shows ghost fossils help reveal coccolithophore evolution and their role in marine food chains and biodiversity.

1 of 1

Story summary

Coccolithophores (marine calcifiers) first appeared in the Early–Middle Triassic, about 243 million years ago.
Ghost fossils indicate coccolithophores were the first pelagic plankton to biocalcify, reshaping marine ecosystems after the end-Permian mass extinction.
Their diversification accelerated after the end-Triassic mass extinction, coinciding with ecological changes that allowed their proliferation.
The study shows ghost fossils help reveal coccolithophore evolution and their role in marine food chains and biodiversity.