Browsing by Author "Wilson, Laura Elizabeth"

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Comparative taphonomy and paleoecological reconstruction of two microvertebrate accumulations from the late Cretaceous (Maastrichtian) Hell Creek Formation, eastern Montana
(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Letters & Science, 2006) Wilson, Laura Elizabeth; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: John R. Horner
Although microvertebrate accumulations are commonly used for paleoecological reconstructions, the taphonomic processes affecting the final taxonomic composition of an accumulation are often ignored. To explore the correlation between taphonomic processes and taxonomic structure, one floodplain and one channel-lag deposit from the Maastrichtian Hell Creek Formation were compared. Specimens were quarried to collect high-resolution vertical and horizontal distribution data. Distribution of skeletal elements with specific physical attributes and relative abundance of taxa are shown to correlate with the hydraulic indicators (i.e., grain size, sedimentary structures) of the depositional facies. Conor's Microsite (CM) is located within a laminated sandstone, siltstone, and mudstone facies interpreted as a fluvial overbank deposit. Just Past Celeste Microsite (JPC) is located in a massive sandstone facies and is interpreted as a channel lag deposit. Relative abundance data in conjunction with statistical test results show size, shape, abrasion, and taxonomic compositions to vary significantly between assemblages. Chisquared tests and Correspondence Analyses of CM and JPC data sets indicate significant differences between taxonomic compositions.