Timing of the Closure of the Central American Isthmus: Evidence From Shallow-Water Benthic Foraminifera (Earth Science)

大约300万年前地峡的出现 从巴拿马的海洋中分离出美洲热带海洋动物群 第二，深刻地影响了进化和地理分布 许多动物。 切断深水连接的时间 已经研究过了，但柯林斯博士将决定最后的时间。 利用浅水底栖有孔虫进行封闭。 化石种类 这些丰富的原生生物表明了它们所处的水深 以前住过。 根据最新的生物地层学 地带性，一系列的水深度，通过时间从两侧的 地峡将与地理分类学数据相结合， 东太平洋和加勒比有孔虫的分歧， 峡部的最终闭合。 标准实验室和分析 方法将被使用。 海事终止日期 联系对于古生物学的进化研究很重要， 遗传分化率的分子生物学研究，以及 区域构造隆升计算和陆地 南北美洲脊椎动物的交流。 与东道机构的互动包括： 生物地层学本科课程，主持研究生研讨会 在古生物地理学，共同教学夏季地质实地考察营， 安排知名女性古生物学家做客座讲座。 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)鼓励女性从事科学和工程职业 通过提高女性科学家和工程师的知名度， 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。

Approximately three million years ago the emergence of the Isthmus of Panama from the sea divided the American tropical marine fauna in two, profoundly affecting the evolution and geographic distribution of many animals. The time of severance of deep.water connections has been studied, but Dr. Collins will determine the time of final closure using shallow.water benthic foraminifera. Fossil species of these abundant protists indicate the water depths in which they formerly lived. From strata dated with the newest biostratigraphic zonations, a sequence of water depths through time from both sides of the isthmus will be combined with taxonomic data on the biogeographic divergence of East Pacific and Caribbean foraminifera to date and the final closure of the isthmus. Standard laboratory and analytical methods will be used. The date of termination of the marine connection is important to evolutionary studies in paleontology, molecular biological studies of rates of genetic divergence, and calculations of regional tectonic uplift and the terrestrial interchange of South and North American vertebrates. Interactions with the host institution include: teaching an undergraduate course in biostratigraphy, leading a graduate seminar in paleobiogeography, co-teaching summer geology field camp, and arranging guest lectures by established women paleontologists. 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.