Message-Id: <333D3EB9.6188@exploratorium.edu>
Date: Sat, 29 Mar 1997 08:09:29 -0800
From: Eric Muller <emuller@exploratorium.edu>
To: pinhole
Subject: evolution and a big magnet
To Biologist and Geologist:
The earth’s magnetic field changes direction every few hundred thousand
years or so. This field, extends into space and helps keep harmful
radiation from reaching the earth’s surface.
So here’s the question:
Since excessive radiation contributes to mutation of organisms, does
anyone know if there is a direct correlation between magnetic reversals
and evolution? If so, is there evidence in the fossil record that
matches the paleomagnetic record?