Avifaunal diversity from the late-Pleistocene fossil locality, Clark Quarry
Faculty Mentor(s) Name(s)
Al Mead
Abstract
Excavations at the late-Pleistocene Clark Quarry, Glynn County, Georgia have recovered the remains of Columbian mammoths, long-horned bison, deer, rodents, various amphibians and reptiles, and birds. Recent infrared stimulated luminescence (IRSL) ages suggest that the site was deposited approximately between 52-68 thousand years ago. The current study presents an examination of the avian fauna from the site. The objective of this study is to describe recently excavated bird specimens from Clark Quarry to produce a more complete inventory of the avifauna. While building on the species list from previous studies, we hope to identify species new to the site. Adding our new descriptions to information from prior projects, such as the master’s thesis by Kelly Clark in 2009, we hope to better understand the paleoenvironmental setting suggested by the avifauna. Preliminary analysis of the avifauna indicates a diverse environment, with evidence pointing to the occurrence of at least nine different genera. By understanding the avian diversity within the Clark Quarry fauna, this study contributes crucial data to refining our understanding of the paleoenvironmental condition in Georgia during this time.
Start Date
27-3-2024 10:00 AM
End Date
27-3-2024 10:50 AM
Location
Magnolia Ballroom
Avifaunal diversity from the late-Pleistocene fossil locality, Clark Quarry
Magnolia Ballroom
Excavations at the late-Pleistocene Clark Quarry, Glynn County, Georgia have recovered the remains of Columbian mammoths, long-horned bison, deer, rodents, various amphibians and reptiles, and birds. Recent infrared stimulated luminescence (IRSL) ages suggest that the site was deposited approximately between 52-68 thousand years ago. The current study presents an examination of the avian fauna from the site. The objective of this study is to describe recently excavated bird specimens from Clark Quarry to produce a more complete inventory of the avifauna. While building on the species list from previous studies, we hope to identify species new to the site. Adding our new descriptions to information from prior projects, such as the master’s thesis by Kelly Clark in 2009, we hope to better understand the paleoenvironmental setting suggested by the avifauna. Preliminary analysis of the avifauna indicates a diverse environment, with evidence pointing to the occurrence of at least nine different genera. By understanding the avian diversity within the Clark Quarry fauna, this study contributes crucial data to refining our understanding of the paleoenvironmental condition in Georgia during this time.