NASA Logo

NTRS

NTRS - NASA Technical Reports Server

Back to Results
Evolution of land mammal diversity in North America during the CenozoicThe North American continental patterns of generic richness, extinction, and origination have been reexamined and analyzed in the context of alpha and beta species diversity. The major models of diversity are discussed as well as primary concepts and theories based on studies of living organisms. The adequacy of the fossil record is considered and patterns of genetic richness and species level diversity are outlined. Major shifts in mammalian community structures are reviewed and hypotheses are presented on diversity origin, regulation, and maintenance for the North American record. Results demonstrate a complex relationship between continental alpha and beta diversity characterized by marked changes through time and differences in patterns at each level. It is clear that both biotic and abiotic factors have strongly influenced the evolution of North American species diversity and that major restructuring occurred in Cenozoic mammalian communities.
Document ID
19930060902
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Stucky, Richard K.
(Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Pittsburgh, PA; Denver Museum of Natural History CO, United States)
Date Acquired
August 16, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1990
Publication Information
Publisher: Plenum Publishing Corp.
Subject Category
Geosciences (General)
Accession Number
93A44899
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGW-949
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

Available Downloads

There are no available downloads for this record.
No Preview Available