See more from this Division: Gulf Coast Association of Geological Societies
See more from this Session: Gulf of Mexico Coastal Plain Paleontology
Abstract:
To facilitate this line of research in the Gulf, we are compiling the most complete record to date of stable-isotope-based paleotemperature data through the Paleogene sequence, based both on the literature and on new analyses. Preliminary comparison of these new data and existing sealevel curves with first and last appearances of GCP mollusk species suggests that there is only a weak overall correlation, implying that the physical environment alone, as represented by these variables within the Gulf setting, may not be the primary driver for all evolutionary change in these faunas. Potentially fruitful lines of research might focus now on individual clade responses to environmental changes, and on how faunas respond ecologically to such perturbation. A review of previous and ongoing work on evolution of macrofaunas in the Paleogene of the GCP indicates that few studies have investigated the role of the environment in affecting evolutionary tempo and mode in individual lineages, although the potential for such research is considerable.
See more from this Division: Gulf Coast Association of Geological Societies
See more from this Session: Gulf of Mexico Coastal Plain Paleontology