Studies of Middle to Upper Cretaceous Ferns from the Dakota Formation (Biotic Systems and Resources)

达科他组的化石蕨类植物将在形态学上进行研究 以确定其可能的关系。 材料将 被揭开并浸软以提取蕨类植物，那么遗骸将 进行各种类型的处理以使它们为光做好准备， 扫描电子和透射电子显微镜。 一样多 尽可能从这些图像中获得形态学信息。 蕨类植物 这些地方将被重新收集，以获得更多的材料， 可能的批量浸渍，然后对任何植物碎片进行分类 仍然存在。 一旦为蕨类植物收集了信息， 将与密切相关的现存蕨类植物进行比较，并分析 将使用分支系统学方法进行特征分析。 该分析将 帮助评估可能的关系，原始的性格状态， 和可能的系统发育树 将本研究与以前的研究相关联 对白垩纪早期蕨类植物的研究将使 关于蕨类植物植物群在整个 被子植物对这些蕨类植物的潜在影响 花卉 交互式组件涉及各种活动的组合， 他是佛罗里达州立博物馆的专业研究员， 植物学系 由两人共同主办的系列研讨会 小组将被用来使植物进化的女科学家， 大学提出专业讲座，并与互动， 学生和工作人员。 课程将在教育部教授， 植物学和针对在校学生的解释性课程将 在佛罗里达州立博物馆展出。 本项目进一步促进了VPW计划的目标，即（1） 为妇女提供机会， 工程和科学的学科由NSF支持， (2)鼓励妇女从事科学和工程职业， 提高女科学家和女工程师的知名度 受雇于工业、政府和学术机构。 通过 鼓励妇女参与科学，这是一个宝贵的 投资于国家未来的科学活力。

Fossil ferns of the Dakota Group will be studied in morphological detail to determine their possible relationships. The material will be uncovered and macerated to extract the ferns, then the remains will be subjected to various types of treatment to prepare them for light, scanning electron and transmission electron microscopy. As much morphological information as possible will be obtained from these ferns. The localities will be recollected to obtain more material for possible bulk maceration and then sorted for any fragments of plant remains. Once the information has been collected for the ferns, they will be compared to closely related extant ferns and an analysis of characters using cladistic methods will be done. This analysis will aid in assessing possible relationships, primitive character states, and possible phylogenetic trees. Relating this study to previous studies of the ferns from the lower Cretaceous will make possible a hypothesis as to the changes in the fern flora throughout the Cretaceous and the potential impact of the angiosperms upon these fern floras. The interactive component involves a combination of activities as a professional researcher at the Florida State Museum and a professor in the Department of Botany. A seminar series cosponsored by the two groups will be used to bring women scientists in plant evolution to the university to present professional talks and to interact with the students and staff. Courses will be taught in the Department of Botany and interpretative programs aimed at school students will be offered at the Florida State Museum. This project furthers VPW program objectives which are (1) to provide opportunities for women to advance their careers in engineering and in the disciplines of science supported by NSF and (2) to encourage women to pursue careers in science and engineering by providing greater visibility for women scientists and engineers employed in industry, government, and academic institutions. By encouraging the participation of women in science, it is a valuable investment in the Nation's future scientific vitality.