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In the Paleobiology Lab, we study the relationship between environmental change and biological evolution over geological timescales through field studies, geochemical measurements and modeling, and statistical analysis of large datasets.  We are particularly interested in the causes and consequences of major extinction events in the history of animal life.  Our research provides a variety of opportunities for students broadly interested in the history of life at the undergraduate, graduate, and post-doctoral levels. There are opportunities for students at any level to participate in all of the areas of research described here. You are also welcome to propose your own ideas for research projects. Please contact Jonathan Payne if you are interested in pursuing work in paleobiology.

Publications

Schaal EK, Clapham ME, Rego BL, Wang SC, and Payne JL. 2016. Comparative size evolution of marine clades from the Late Permian through Middle Triassic. Paleobiology. doi:10.1017/pab.2015.36

Bachan A and Payne JL. 2015. Modeling d13C excursions: a link between d13C and volcanism. Geological Magazine. doi:10.1017/S0016756815000126

Heim NA, Knope ML, Schaal EK, Wang SC, and Payne JL. 2015. Cope’s rule in the evolution of marine animals. Science 347:867-870. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF].