Deep refugia seed post‑extinction bursts

Genomic and fossil evidence for squids show a long period of low diversification in deep‑sea refuges followed by a rapid 'big bang' of species after the K‑Pg extinction, implying that survival in refuges can set the stage for later adaptive radiations. This pattern links timing in the fossil record to genome‑scale phylogenies and the evolution of complex traits like camouflage, bioluminescence, and neural complexity. — Understanding refuge‑to‑radiation dynamics matters for conservation, biodiversity forecasting, and how we interpret modern ecosystems' capacity to rebound after large shocks.