Solittletime Posted December 28, 2013 Share Posted December 28, 2013 I am very new to the Fossil Forum, but just yesterday I encountered an old discussion about the ambiguities associated with the Fredericksburg Heterasters. I share the frustrations that were voiced as I have been having many of the same difficulties. Actually, there are similar problems with a number of the echinoid species, which are often very poorly described in the literature. In the case of the Heterasters, it quickly becomes clear that different authors are describing the same species but giving it a different name or even providing contradictory descriptions of the same species. The purpose of this message is to let you know that I am working on a new book on Cretaceous Echinoids from Texas. The purpose of the book is to provide a series of quality photographs, i.e., aboral, adoral, lateral and posterior (irregular echinoids) of each species along with a descriptive narrative. My intent is not to parrot the literature but to critically evaluate the species included and provide definitive characteristics that differentiate them. In cases where I have access to a reasonable sample, I am employing some rather straight forward statistical approaches to differentiate and separate similar species. In the case of the Macrasters, I believe I have been successful. I knew that this was going to be a big project when I started many months ago, but as I proceed I am really beginning to appreciate just how big, at times daunting, undertaking it is. I fully appreciate that many of you know a lot more about Texas echinoids that I so I will be asking for your help, input and support as this effort progresses. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Auspex Posted December 28, 2013 Share Posted December 28, 2013 Welcome to the Forum You have chosen a formidable windmill to tilt, and by all accounts one that needs tilting! "There has been an alarming increase in the number of things I know nothing about." - Ashleigh Ellwood Brilliant “Try to learn something about everything and everything about something.” - Thomas Henry Huxley >Paleontology is an evolving science. >May your wonders never cease! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Uncle Siphuncle Posted December 28, 2013 Share Posted December 28, 2013 Each of us, through our individual experience, has a subset of the fossil record in our private collections. Some of us have rare species on hand. Others have enough examples of a given species that growth series and statistical data can be assessed. I'll do my part to assist Bill in this endeavor, and I encourage others to do the same, if they are so inclined. I've known Bill for years, and part of my contribution to this thread is my personal endorsement of his initiative, integrity and work ethic. The more of us that contribute specimen photos, measurements, or make specimens temporarily available for his study, the better the reference we'll all have at our disposal. Feel free to contact Bill privately or openly on this thread to discuss exactly what is entailed. Grüße, Daniel A. Wöhr aus Südtexas "To the motivated go the spoils." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Solittletime Posted December 28, 2013 Author Share Posted December 28, 2013 If you wish to contact me directly, my email address is morgan@uthscsa.edu Thanks for the endorsement, Dan! Bill Morgan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fossilcrazy Posted December 28, 2013 Share Posted December 28, 2013 This thread caused me to pull out the old Texas Cretaceous Echinoids By Rosemary & Thomas Akers 1987. I've not collected in Texas, nor have a lot of Echinoids; but in my shallow experience the book seems very comprehensive. If you can create a better fossil resource; I know more than myself would like to see that one. As always, it would be nice if new species came to light and redundant nomenclature issues be resolved. Best wishes on your endeavor. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RyanNREMTP Posted December 28, 2013 Share Posted December 28, 2013 I'll help with what I can. I only have one specimen to offer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roz Posted December 29, 2013 Share Posted December 29, 2013 Good luck, Bill. I think that book is needed and very exciting that you will be using photographs instead of illustrations? That is excellent news! I will help if you need any I have.. Welcome to the forum! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobWill Posted December 30, 2013 Share Posted December 30, 2013 Great news to hear you're working on this. We met at Fossil Mania and if what I heard is true we can expect a high quality publication. Thanks for your efforts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
erose Posted December 31, 2013 Share Posted December 31, 2013 I'm behind you 100%. We very much need a new echinoid book for all these Texas species. If you find yourself in need of specimens please let us all know. Dan made a great point about some of us having better concentrations of genera and species than others. And some of us have new species as well. PS to Fossilcrazy: that earlier book is a great resource, but it is out of date and with the ability to do photographs so easily can be made 200% better with pics alone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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