Size-frequency distributions in samples of extinct organisms
In: The Journal of Geology. University of Chicago Press: Chicago,. ISSN 0022-1376; e-ISSN 1537-5269, more
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| Abstract |
The problem of the meaning of size-frequency distributions of measurements taken on samples of fossil organisms is considered. The relationships of such distributions to size-frequency distributions of death assemblages of biological populations is explored by the use of a model based on graphic construction. Rates of growth and mortality are the fundamental biological properties that enter into the model. It is concluded that the form of the size-frequency distribution of a measurement taken on a sample of a fossil species is very little dependent upon the size-frequency distribution of this measurement in the death assemblage of the species. Various problems related to the validity of interpretations based on size-frequency distributions of samples of fossils are examined in the light of the conclusion. The need for careful evaluation of the nature of the sample from evidence beyond that supplied by the size-frequency distribution is emphasized. Means of minimizing the difficulties introduced are suggested. |
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