How do we study the phylogenetics of fossil invertebrates

How do we study the phylogenetics of fossil invertebrates?

Robert L. Anstey

Professor, Geological Sciences

Invertebrate Paleobiology

I am interested in the biology and paleobiology of marine Bryozoa, particularly their phylogeny and evolutionary history. This interest area includes their microevolution and macroevolution, systematics, diversity history, and biogeography.

I have paid particular attention to the bryozoans of the Paleozoic Era, and have analyzed events like the initial radiation of the phylum in the Early Ordovician, as well as subsequent events such as the Late Ordovician, Mid-Devonian, and Late Permian extinctions. My research techniques have included quantitative stereology and other quantitative morphometric methods, and I have used cladistics as a way of establishing evolutionary pathways in phenetics morphospace. My current research includes analysis of heritability, selection, microevolution, and speciation in a specimen-based phylogeny of the genus Peronopora.

Selected Publications

Erwin, D.H. and R.L. Anstey (eds.). 1995. New Approaches to Speciation in the Fossil Record. Columbia University Press, New York. 342 pages.

Anstey, R.L. and J.F. Pachut. 1995. Phylogeny, diversity history, and speciation in Paleozoic bryozoans. In New Approaches to Speciation in the Fossil Record, D.H. Erwin and R.L. Anstey (eds.), pp. 239-284. Columbia University Press, New York. 342 pages.

Horowitz, A.S., J.F. Pachut and R.L. Anstey. 1996. Devonian bryozoan diversity, extinctions, and originations. J. Paleontol. 70:373-380.