Research Training Program

Richard Lupia
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA

Bill DiMichele, Ph.D.
Supervising Scientist
Department of Paleobiology

Landscape Heterogeneity in the Permian

This project consisted of sorting through ironstone modules and fragments collected in Permian strata of Mayfield, TX. Samples were 1 meter squared areas with replicates at each of eight sites across a transect of an outcrop. All fragments were swept up to be sorted, for fossils of plants (or animals, however unlikely). The fossils were separated into recognizable taxa, counted, and recorded. The frequency of appearance normalized to 100% were plotted by taxa according to the site at which they appeared. This allowed description of heterogeneity of floral pattern across the landscape as well as allowing determination of paleoecology. This project is part of ongoing research by Dr. W. DiMichele, Division of Paleobotany, into the evolution of terrestrial ecosystems and into the distribution of extinct plant genera among habitats.

This research was supported by a grant from the James Smithson Society.