applied research and innovation fossil mammals of the late miocene (11.6-5.3 mya) santa cruz...
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Applied Research and Innovation
Fossil mammals of the late Miocene (11.6-5.3 MYA) Santa Cruz Formation, Santa Cruz
(Patagonia), Argentina
Gerry De Iuliis, School of Nursing, GBC
Museo de La Plata
Duke University Medical Center
National Geographic Society
Arius 3D
Applied Research and Innovation
Santa Cruz Formation: classical site for fossil mammals during critical period in mammalian evolution in S Am
Especially for xenarthrans: sloths, armadillos, anteaters
Objective: understand this group of sloths from a modern biological perspective
Introduction and Research Objectives
Applied Research and Innovation
An important diversification of sloths occurred during this period
Critical for understanding later evolutionary history of this group
Knowledge of these sloths limited to collections made > 100 years ago
So, material abundant, but based on century-old collecting techniques
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To understand this group of sloths from modern biological perspective: controlled data collection and analysis
1st step: obtain new fossil specimens under tight stratigraphic control;
2nd step: analyze fossil specimens.
Methodology
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2007 Funding:1st step: obtain new fossil specimens under tight stratigraphic control
Mounting an expedition to Santa Cruz Province (Patagonia), Argentina;
Collection of material from exposures of the Santa Cruz Formation;
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Profile of Santa Cruz Formation
Fossils from several levels
Older collections: poor information on precise position of fossils
Current objective: collect new fossils with precise information in geological context
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Very good results from this expedition:
104 total fossil specimens
17 fossil sloth specimens
Results
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Future Research: 2nd step: analyze new fossil specimens and integrate older fossil specimens to produce:
1) modern understanding of the biological taxonomic relationships of the species, which allows:
2) inferences on population structure, biodiversity, paleoecology, extinction
Conclusions and Future Research
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Interdisciplinary collaboration with specialists to produce a comprehensive view of the mammalian paleobiology of the Santa Cruz Formation;
Potential expansion of multi-institutional 3D data banks of fossil specimens;
enhance international reputation though involvement in an international multidisciplinary research project;
benefit student outcome through enhanced teaching and learning experiences;
Benefits to Industry Partner
Benefits to GBC
Applied Research and Innovation
commercialization potential with Arius 3D by providing a viable conduit for commercialization of 3D casts and images of fossils for sale to academic institutions and graphic production houses, and for educational use through digital databases in teaching and in linking with other researchers;
providing a student with paid research experience through training and preparation of material at the Royal Ontario Museum; potential as an IPE experience