Geology topics

Wendy E. Lanier

Publications and source records attributed to Wendy E. Lanier.

2 recordsLinked to original sources

USGS2016

Ichnology of an Upper Carboniferous fluvio-estuarine paleovalley: The Tonganoxie Sandstone, Buildex Quarry, Eastern Kansas, USA

Tidal rhythmites of the Tonganoxie Sandstone Member (Stranger Formation, Douglas Group) at Buildex Quarry, eastern Kansas, contain a relatively diverse ichnofauna. The assemblage includes arthropod locomotion ( Dendroidichnites irregulare, Diplichnites gouldi types A and B, Diplopodichnus biformis, Kouphichnium isp., Mirandaichnium famatinense , and Stiaria intermedia ), resting ( Tonganoxichnus buildexensis ) and feeding traces ( Stiallia pilosa, Tonganoxichnus ottawensis ); grazing traces ( Gordia indianaensis, Helminthoidichnites tenuis, Helminthopsis hieroglyphica ); feeding structures ( Circulichnis montanus, Treptichnus bifurcus, Treptichnus pollardi , irregular networks), fish traces ( Undichna britannica, Undichna simplicitas ), tetrapod trackways, and root traces. The taxonomy of some of these ichnotaxa is briefly reviewed and emended diagnoses for Gordia indianaensis and Helminthoidichnites tenuis are proposed. Additionally, the combined name Dendroidichnites irregulare is proposed for nested chevron trackways. Traces previously regarded as produced by isopods are reinterpreted as myriapod trackways ( D. gouldi type B). Trackways formerly interpreted as limulid crawling and swimming traces are assigned herein to Kouphichnium isp and Dendroidichnites irregulare , respectively.

Journal of Paleontology↗

USGS2016

Integrating biology, field logistics, and simulations to optimize parameter estimation for imperiled species

Conservation of imperiled species often requires knowledge of vital rates and population dynamics. However, these can be difficult to estimate for rare species and small populations. This problem is further exacerbated when individuals are not available for detection during some surveys due to limited access, delaying surveys and creating mismatches between the breeding behavior and survey timing. Here we use simulations to explore the impacts of this issue using four hypothetical boreal toad ( Anaxyrus boreas boreas ) populations, representing combinations of logistical access (accessible, inaccessible) and breeding behavior (synchronous, asynchronous). We examine the bias and precision of survival and breeding probability estimates generated by survey designs that differ in effort and timing for these populations. Our findings indicate that the logistical access of a site and mismatch between the breeding behavior and survey design can greatly limit the ability to yield accurate and precise estimates of survival and breeding probabilities. Simulations similar to what we have performed can help researchers determine an optimal survey design(s) for their system before initiating sampling efforts.

Ecological Modelling↗