Presenter(s): Dylan Carlini − Geology
Faculty Mentor(s): Samantha Hopkins, Win Mclaughlin
Oral Session 4O
Research Area: Earth and Biological Science
In paleontology, correct identification of fossils is of paramount importance to the scientific process. In locations with sparse fossil records and little preexisting literature, such as Kyrgyzstan, fossil identification can be particularly difficult. For this study, I identified two previously unidentified specimens from the University of Oregon Kyrgyz fossil collection as a mandible and a cheek tooth from the genus Hipparion, a member of family Equidae. Following a review of relevant paleontological literature, I used digital calipers to gather precise measurements of the specimens and conducted a careful analysis of tooth cusp morphology in order to make the determination. While the two specimens cannot be definitively attributed to the same individual, I determined that both came from adult individuals of the genus Hipparion. Using tooth morphology from the mandible, I also estimated the age of the individual at the time of death. These identifications add to our knowledge of the biodiversity of Miocene central Asia. Additionally, this study serves to demonstrate the process of fossil identification.