Theses and Dissertations
Advisor
Clary, Renee M.
Committee Member
Nagel, Athena O.
Committee Member
Hodnett, John-Paul
Date of Degree
12-12-2025
Original embargo terms
Embargo 2 years
Document Type
Graduate Thesis - Open Access
Major
Geosciences (Geology)
Degree Name
Master of Science (M.S.)
College
College of Arts and Sciences
Department
Department of Geosciences
Abstract
The Middle Mississippian Ste. Genevieve Formation of Mammoth Cave National Park preserves a diverse and understudied microvertebrate assemblage. This study expands on a recent paleontological resource inventory conducted by the National Park Service to better document, manage, and interpret the park’s fossil record. Screenwashed sediment samples from six cave localities produced 510 specimens, with chondrichthyans representing the most abundant group (at least 13 distinct taxa), along with occurrences of osteichthyans and conodonts. These results expand the paleontological record of Mammoth Cave, with intra-cave comparisons revealing faunal overlap. Global faunal analyses highlight both shared and distinctive elements relative to other Mississippian localities. Notably, a tooth whorl of Heteropetalus elegantulus collected in this study represents the oldest record of the species, extending its temporal range into the Viséan. Overall, this study enhances understanding of Mississippian paleoecology, refines knowledge of chondrichthyan distribution, and underscores the value of microvertebrate assemblages in reconstructing evolutionary history.
Recommended Citation
Wurtz, Alyssa, "Microvertebrate fossils of the Middle Mississippian Ste. Genevieve Formation, Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky, USA" (2025). Theses and Dissertations. 6735.
https://scholarsjunction.msstate.edu/td/6735
