Research Training Program

Jorge E. Alvarez Tavarez
University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez
Mayaguez, Puerto Rico

William A. DiMichele, Ph.D.
Co-Supervising Scientist
Department of Paleobiology

Conrad Labandeira, Ph.D.
Co-Supervising Scientist
Department Paleobiology

"These fossils that I hold in my hands are a library containing the best volumes of our planet's past; better pressed than any modern botany specimen."

Uncovering Clues of Ancient Insect Diets: the beginnings of herbivory

In recent years interest in the study of plant-insect interactions has risen significantly. Insect herbivory (plant feeding) dates back to millions of years before the dinosaurs. The late Paleozoic was a time of drastic changes for Earth's climate; experiencing a shift from a cold Icehouse climate to a warm Greenhouse environment. How did the plants and animals react to this drastic climate change and can the fossil evidence provide clues? To help understand this, Early Permian fossils that show evidence of plant-insect interactions from a series of rock layers, called redbeds, found throughout north-central Texas, were studied. These fossils are ideal for understanding the beginnings of herbivory by insects because many insect fossils that have been found from this time period have mouth parts typical for plant eating and therefore are believed to be herbivores. Using photography and photo editing software different patterns of feeding were analyzed and the amount of damage quantified thereby helping us understand how specific and prevalent hervibory was on plants in this time period. By comparing these results to other on-going studies scientists can uncover when, and perhaps even how, insect herbivory evolved.

This research was supported by a grant from the Latino Initiatives Fund.

Letter of gratitude