SGER: Devonian-Carboniferous Echinoderms from Iran: Implications for Extinction Rebound and Global Repopulation

Indiana University, Bloomington IN

Investigators

Abstract

Maples.0084466 The Carboniferous Period has been called the "Age of Echinoderms", yet a noticeable gap exists in our understanding of the origins and global expansion of Carboniferous crinoids. A few recent studies have shown that assessment of crinoid and blastoid bearing faunas from outside the North American and Western European realms can lead to paradigm shifting leaps in our understanding of extinction rebound and paleobiogeography of these animals. Devonian-Permian crinoids are virtually unknown from the Middle East into southeastern China. Devonian and Carboniferous crinoid cups and crowns were recently discovered in Iran by Dr. Mehdi Yazdi. These faunas are of sufficient diversity and quality to be of great scientific value. The PIs wish to sample and analyze these faunas for their taxonomic and biogeographic importance. With the recent thaw in Iranian-American relations, it is important that they take advantage of this window of opportuinity.