Ordovician–Silurian Lilliput crinoids during the end-Ordovician biotic crisis

A rapid reduction in body size, known as the 'Lilliput Effect,' was observed in crinoids from Anticosti Island during the end-Ordovician biotic crisis. This significant decrease in size affected both dominant Ordovician and Silurian clades equally, with the post-extinction fauna consisting largely of new taxa. The miniaturization occurred rapidly but recovery took up to 7 million years, highlighting a macroevolutionary asymmetry that underscores the importance of preserving current biodiversity.

Borths, M. R., & Ausich, W. I. (2010). Ordovician–Silurian Lilliput crinoids during the end-Ordovician biotic crisis. Swiss Journal of Palaeontology, 130(1), 7–18. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13358-010-0003-2