Final answer:
Species diversity concerning temporal differentiation refers to changes in biodiversity over different geological periods, influenced by speciation events and extinction rates. Patterns from fossil records indicate periods of diversification and extinction affecting species' lifespans and evolutionary dynamics. Models like gradual speciation and punctuated equilibrium describe these patterns, further influenced by changes in species' life histories.
Step-by-step explanation:
Species diversity in terms of temporal differentiation relates to the variations in the number and types of species that exist across different geological periods. Focusing on the last 600 million years, patterns of diversity through time take into account both speciation events and extinction rates. These patterns are compiled from fossil records, which suggest periods of significant diversification, like during the Cambrian to the mid-Devonian, followed by substantial extinctions in the mid-Devonian and late-Permian periods, among others. The average lifespan of species, based on fossil evidence, is estimated to be around 1-10 million years, with notable exceptions.
Biodiversity can be measured by different speciation models, such as gradual speciation and punctuated equilibrium. The former suggests a steady pace in the divergence of species, with traits changing incrementally. In contrast, punctuated equilibrium points to rapid divergence followed by long periods without significant change. Such temporal shifts in diversity can also reflect changes in species' life histories (phenology), where timing of events such as flowering or breeding may shift due to environmental pressures.