Research Training Program

Smithsonian Institution
National Museum of Natural History

PROJECT SUMMARY
1996

Tened Greene
University of Arizona
Tucson, Arizona

William DiMichele, Ph.D.
Supervising Scientist
Department of Paleobiology
"The experience of working together with the nation's top scientists, in such a creative and technical environment gave me the opportunity to participate in a learning environment far superior to that of the classroom, as well as take part in prominent research. It is one that I will always refer back to for many years to come"

Morphological Analysis of Permian-Aged Taeniopteris from North Central Texas

ABSTRACT
Taeniopteris, a leaf type that flourished around 250 million years ago, in the late Permian, ceased to exist around the time of the mid-Cretaceous mass extinction. In a larger worldwide attempt to reconstruct prehistoric ecosytems, the morphology of Taeniopteris remains as much a mystery as the nature of its surrounding mass extinctions. Paleobotanists in the past have been trying to decipher exactly what species to which the numerous variations of Taeniopteris can be contributed. However, what is missing is accurate knowledge of the number of types that it represents. This is mandatory before any identification at the species level can be made. The fossil specimens, which are characterized by variable bilateral symetrical venation, angulation, and several other attributes, are quite similar to a number of plant species but are not distinguishable enough by any single communal characteristic to be separated and placed into any particular groups. Through intensive comparison of a series of precise, multivariable measurements, this group should begin to divide into fairly distinct clades that with further analysis can next be assigned to a specific species. The morphological interpretation of Taeniopteris is one of many vital counterparts in the worldwide attempt to reconstruct paleoenvironments, and can elucidate the great anomaly in the knowledge of prehistoric ecosystems.

This research was supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates program, Award Number DBI-9531331.

Letter of Gratitude