S3_Script: R Code for Predator-Prey Body Size Analysis in Cambrian Fossils

An RStudio script used for data analysis to calculate Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regressions of predator and prey Equivalent Spherical Diameter (ESD). The script was authored by Jared Richards and is intended for use alongside the S5_Dataset. It was last updated on April 13, 2026.

Use Cases

• Calculate OLS regression models based on predator and prey body size data.
• Determine predator-prey body size ratios for various taxonomic groups.
• Reproduce statistical analyses supporting hypotheses about suspension-feeding lifestyles.
• Perform scaling law analysis on fossil organism morphometrics.

Strengths

• Script is explicitly linked to a companion dataset (S5_Dataset) for full analysis.
• Analysis methods are specified (OLS regression, ratio determination).
• Released under a permissive CC-BY-4.0 license.

Limitations

• Column-level documentation for the input data is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count and data scale are unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• The description metadata is limited; actual data quality requires manual inspection.

Provenance

Source

figshare

Collection Method

Likely contains statistical code for analyzing a compiled paleobiological dataset.

Time Range

Focuses on Cambrian-period organisms.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-04-13 09:19:40; freshness should be verified.

Geography

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