Research Training Program

Donna Jacob
Beloit College
Beloit, WI

Scott Wing, Ph.D.
Supervising Scientist
Department of Paleobiology

"I found that the museum has a lot to provide in the way of learning--academically as well as in relations between scientists, interns, and the public."

X-Ray Analysis of Lauraceae Leaves / Paleobotanical Studies in Wyoming

This project involved research on radiographs of Lauraceae. X-rays were made of specimens selected from the herbarium - about 350 species from 35 genera. Leaf architecture and venation patterns were described using Leo Hickey's "A Revised Classification of the Architecture of Dicotyledenous Leaves," 1973, as a basis. After descriptions of tribes and possibly genera were completed, an analysis was performed in order to determine whether or not the leaves could be used for systematics and possibly shed some light on some of the confusion and questions within the family. Finally, a cladistic analysis at the tribe or genus level was performed in order to look at phylogenetic relationships.

This research was supported by a grant from the Educational Outreach Fund.