(Download) "Section III: Earth & Atmospheric Sciences." by Georgia Journal of Science ~ Book PDF Kindle ePub Free
eBook details
- Title: Section III: Earth & Atmospheric Sciences.
- Author : Georgia Journal of Science
- Release Date : January 22, 2010
- Genre: Engineering,Books,Professional & Technical,
- Pages : * pages
- Size : 160 KB
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7:30 COPROLITES OF DEINOSUCHUS: LATE CRETACEOUS ESTUARINE CROCODYLIAN FECES FROM WEST GEORGIA, Samantha D. Harrell * and D. R. Schwimmer, Columbus State University, Columbus, GA 31907. The giant eusuchian crocodylian Deinosuchus rugosus is abundantly represented by bones and teeth in the Late Cretaceous deposits of the estuarine Blufftown Formation, western Georgia. Approximately 20 concretionary masses assumed to be fossil crocodylian feces are found in association. Six, large spindle-shaped coprolitic masses, tentatively attributed to Deinosuchus, range from 8.0 to 13.0 cm in length. They are cylindrical in cross section, laterally fusiform with tapering ends. Transversely and laterally cut or broken specimens of this morphology show poorly organized, internally concentric, structure with subtly septate fracturing. Minute bone fragments and small fish teeth are present on or near on the outer surfaces in most specimens, whereas the internal composition does not contain significant preserved bone. One specimen contains a well-preserved shark tooth (Squalicorax kaupi) in the cortex. It is assumed that the intense dissolution of crocodylian digestive juices demineralized larger prey bones in the bulk of these coprolites, whereas vertebrate teeth on or near the outer surfaces accumulated after the feces were excreted and represent coprophagous feeding by bony fish and sharks. Smaller, relatively elongate and irregular coprolitic masses are of more typical crocodylian fecal morphology and may come from Borealosuchus sp., also represented by bones, teeth, and osteoderms in the fossil assemblage. 7:45 A PRELIMINARY DESCRIPTION OF THE PLEISTOCENE RODENTS FROM CLARK QUARRY, BRUNSWICK, GEORGIA **, Ray J. Cornay * and A. J. Mead, Georgia College and State University, Milledgeville, GA 31061. Since 2001, excavations at Clark Quarry, Brunswick, Georgia, have yielded abundant Pleistocene-aged mammalian fossils. The vast majority of the macro-fossils belong to the Columbian Mammoth (Mammuthus columbi) and Giant Bison (Bison latifrons). A number of the micro-fossils are teeth belonging to rodents that inhabited Georgia between 12,000 and 21,000 years ago. The rodents identified thus far include: Woodchuck (Marmota monax); Round-tailed Muskrat (Neofiber alleni); Southern Bog Lemming (Synaptomys cooperi); Marsh Rice Rat (Oryzomys palustris); Eastern Harvest Mouse (Reithrodontomys humulis); Hispid Cotton Rat (Sigmodon hispidus); and Capybara (Hydrochaeris holmesi). The Round-tailed Muskrat, Marsh Rice Rat, Eastern Harvest Mouse, and Hispid Cotton Rat are common inhabitants of southern Georgia today and typically are found in marshy habitats. The presence of the South American capybara also indicates densely vegetated swamps. The Woodchuck and Southern Bog Lemming represent species presently found in more northern portions of Georgia. Both species are more typical of open meadow/forest edge habitats. As a group, the rodents taxa identified thus far indicate an ecosystem somewhat different from closed forest habit that currently exists in the region.