Research Training Program

Smithsonian Institution
National Museum of Natural History

PROJECT SUMMARY
1997

Joshua W. Campbell
Auburn University
Auburn, Alabama
William A. DiMichele
Supervising Scientist
Department of Paleobiology
"The experiences and information that I gained during the program will follow me through life and have enhanced my understanding of science."

Evaluation of the genus Pecopteris foliage from the Pennsylvanian and Permian age

ABSTRACT
Tree ferns were the dominant plants in the wetlands during the Pennsylvanian and Permian age (approx. 300 m.y.a.). Many of these plants were very large, obtaining frond lengths of up to five meters. The fossil record is plagued with tree ferns from this period. One genus of tree ferns is Pecopteris, which is quite plentiful and ubiquitous in the fossil record. Some of these fossils are preserved in excellent condition, but many of the fossils are only fragments, making identification difficult. This has created a major problem with the classification of Pecopteris species, causing mass confusion among scientists. Many species have been given numerous names and some species have been given different names for different parts of the plant. Presently there are several hundred species of Pecopteris that are recognized. The genus Pecopteris is important because it shows how plants change and evolve during interglacial periods. Sorting the species of Pecopteris out will possibly enable researchers to understand how ecosystems change over time. In this study a character list was developed by which species could be distinguished. Pecopteris foliage from north-central Texas was examined and characters were extracted from these fossils. The information gained has given possible insight on species distribution within the region.

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

Letter of Gratitude