Research Areas and Sub-Specialties
Avian Paleontology and Systematics
Avian
paleontological studies also are conducted at UNCW. Fossil birds
ranging in age from late Miocene/early Pliocene (6.0 � 4.5 million
years ago) to late Pleistocene (10,000 years ago) have been studied
from fossil localities in Peru, Chile, Cuba, and New Mexico. Systematic
analysis of the fossils often leads to describing and
naming new, extinct taxa as well as identification of living species.
These studies provide a means to investigate the evolution of birds
as well as the impact of climate change or other
factors that affect their distribution, abundance, and extinction.
Paleoecological studies also are possible with analysis of fossil
avifaunas in comparison to distributions and habitat requirements
of living taxa.
Faculty researching this area include:
 Steven Emslie |
 Marcel van Tuinen |
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