Vertebrate Paleontology of Pleistocene Sites in Belize
Location
D.P. Culp Center Room 303
Start Date
4-5-2024 3:30 PM
End Date
4-5-2024 4:30 PM
Name of Project's Faculty Sponsor
Blaine Schubert
Faculty Sponsor's Department
Geosciences
Competition Type
Competitive
Type
Oral Presentation
Presentation Category
Science, Technology and Engineering
Abstract or Artist's Statement
Preliminary findings from this study serve as a review of paleontological research conducted in Belize. By highlighting the paleontological findings from this country and the contributions scientists have made thus far, fundamental gaps in knowledge become apparent. The earliest use of paleontology in Belize is documented as early as 1952 during the first industrial oil explorations of British Honduras (Belize). Geologic surveys conducted at the time relied on the fossils found across the country to estimate the age of geological formations. In the 2000s and 2010s archaeologists and cavers working in Belize came across fossils of extinct Pleistocene species that have led to remarkable scientific discoveries. There are approximately 14 locations known to produce Pleistocene fossils in Belize so far. These sites include caves, sink holes, rivers, and gravel pits. The location and current state of some of these sites are presently understudied. Therefore, revisiting each location to photograph, map, and document the geology associated with the fossils is requisite. At least 27 vertebrate taxa across 12 families are known thus far, the majority of which are presently extinct or extirpated. The current knowledge on the fossils of Belize is drawn from inferences using regional information and smaller well studied areas of the country. It is expected that the fossil record in Belize could potentially yield similar fossil taxa that have been found in other parts of Central America and southern Mexico. Expected taxa not yet found in Belize include Canidae and Toxodontidae. Microfossil studies haven’t been conducted yet and will likely produce fossils from various small mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish. The results from this study describe the substantial on-going natural processes in the changes of ecosystems and the ecology of species in Belize. Furthermore, this research demonstrates the universal value of protecting sites containing fossils from the point of view of conservation paleobiology. As paleontology continues to develop in Belize, these new and exciting findings can help to enhance Belize’s understating and awareness of the Earth’s natural heritage. Connecting humans to the past through natural history can be used as a catalyst for improving Belizean led initiatives to safe guard paleontological resources through policy and public engagement.
Vertebrate Paleontology of Pleistocene Sites in Belize
D.P. Culp Center Room 303
Preliminary findings from this study serve as a review of paleontological research conducted in Belize. By highlighting the paleontological findings from this country and the contributions scientists have made thus far, fundamental gaps in knowledge become apparent. The earliest use of paleontology in Belize is documented as early as 1952 during the first industrial oil explorations of British Honduras (Belize). Geologic surveys conducted at the time relied on the fossils found across the country to estimate the age of geological formations. In the 2000s and 2010s archaeologists and cavers working in Belize came across fossils of extinct Pleistocene species that have led to remarkable scientific discoveries. There are approximately 14 locations known to produce Pleistocene fossils in Belize so far. These sites include caves, sink holes, rivers, and gravel pits. The location and current state of some of these sites are presently understudied. Therefore, revisiting each location to photograph, map, and document the geology associated with the fossils is requisite. At least 27 vertebrate taxa across 12 families are known thus far, the majority of which are presently extinct or extirpated. The current knowledge on the fossils of Belize is drawn from inferences using regional information and smaller well studied areas of the country. It is expected that the fossil record in Belize could potentially yield similar fossil taxa that have been found in other parts of Central America and southern Mexico. Expected taxa not yet found in Belize include Canidae and Toxodontidae. Microfossil studies haven’t been conducted yet and will likely produce fossils from various small mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish. The results from this study describe the substantial on-going natural processes in the changes of ecosystems and the ecology of species in Belize. Furthermore, this research demonstrates the universal value of protecting sites containing fossils from the point of view of conservation paleobiology. As paleontology continues to develop in Belize, these new and exciting findings can help to enhance Belize’s understating and awareness of the Earth’s natural heritage. Connecting humans to the past through natural history can be used as a catalyst for improving Belizean led initiatives to safe guard paleontological resources through policy and public engagement.