Paleobiology of Mammals Using Functional Trait-Environment Relationships Across Space and Through Time for Conservation and Public Understanding of Science
Abstract
Large mammal communities are impacted by environmental changes that challenge conservation efforts. We can better predict responses to these ongoing changes if we understand responses that have been preserved in the information-rich fossil record. Interdisciplinary work presented here investigates trait-environment relationships to provide a common currency for integrating paleontological data, modern data, and future projections. Additionally, this work highlights informal learning institutions as locations for scientists to engage the public with their studies. To improve the rigor of the trait-environment approach, I use a well-known dataset of tooth crown height and precipitation to explore the implications of various analytical methods. When tested with Pleistocene fossil sites, paleoprecipitation predictions closely match global climate models from the last glacial period. Next, I build a modern trait-environment model for the Order Artiodactyla with measures of calcaneal gear ratio to determine if the trait can be used as an environmental indicator as it has been for carnivorans. I demonstrate that, for artiodactyls, community-level gear ratio is related to ecoregion division, vegetation cover, and precipitation. I apply the model to historical and modern data in Kenya to illustrate that calcaneal gear ratio has potential to serve as an environmental predictor in the fossil record. Then, I describe a community of large mammals from a late Pleistocene site (~40,000 years old) in northern Mexico. This is a prolific site that fills a geographic gap in an area with an otherwise poorly understood paleontological record. The complex mammalian fauna includes the region’s first Rancholabrean occurrences of Palaeolama, Procyon, and Smilodon. To facilitate the communication of environmental knowledge, I conduct a comprehensive analysis of the geographic capacity of informal STEM learning institutions to reach underserved populations. Three groups of counties have considerably fewer informal learning opportunities than expected, and higher than expected populations of groups who are underrepresented in STEM careers. Dissemination of this research will contribute to understanding how mammals are functionally related to their environment and will help us prepare for alternative environmental futures.
Citation
Short, Rachel Ann (2020). Paleobiology of Mammals Using Functional Trait-Environment Relationships Across Space and Through Time for Conservation and Public Understanding of Science. Doctoral dissertation, Texas A&M University. Available electronically from https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /192469.