Evolutionary Ecology and Coordinated Stasis of the Middle Devonian Hamilton Fauna

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PIs will examine evolution of co-occurring lineages of benthic marine invertebrates from the well-studied Middle Devonian Hamilton and Tully groups, to determine how ecology influences rate and style of evolution. Morphometrics of selected fauna will establish degree of change of lineages within constrained biofacies through several transgressive/regressive cycles. Community structure will be examined to test the degree of community stability. The origin, stability and demise of the Hamilton-Tully fauna will be examined as a case study of apparently coordinated or community-level stasis, leading to a general model for the dynamics of ancient marine benthic communities. PIs will also produce a photo atlas.