Taxonomy and Taphonomy of a Fossil Dicotyledon [Ulmus (Ulmaceae)] from the Ogallala Group (Miocene) Graham County, Kansas

Author

Daryl E. Mergen, Fort Hays State University

Department

Biology

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Abstract

Paleontological excavations in northwestern Kansas yielded a variety of late Miocene plants and animal remains. Silicified leaves collected from strata at the Minium Quarry in Graham County exhibit excellently preserved internal and external micromorphological features. These features include trichomes, stomata, spiral xylem elements, palisade cells, and epidermal cells. The macro- and micro-morphological features compare closely to modern Ulmus leaves and the fossil leaves should be assigned this genus. The leaves also show an unstable depositional environment. The angle and orientation of the leaves within the sand matrix indicate a possible post depositional disturbance. A Hemphillian North American Land Mammal Age (5-7 Ma.) has been assigned to the organisms in the Quarry.

Keywords

Biology

Advisor

Joseph Thomasson

Date of Award

Summer 1991

Document Type

Thesis - campus only access

DOI

10.58809/PPUW2657

Recommended Citation

Mergen, Daryl E., "Taxonomy and Taphonomy of a Fossil Dicotyledon [Ulmus (Ulmaceae)] from the Ogallala Group (Miocene) Graham County, Kansas" (1991). Master's Theses. 2288.
DOI: 10.58809/PPUW2657
Available at: https://scholars.fhsu.edu/theses/2288

Rights

© The Author(s)

Comments

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