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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for School of Graduate and Professional Studies
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20260512T101500
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DTSTAMP:20260707T164724
CREATED:20260427T200729Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260427T200729Z
UID:10001303-1778580900-1778583600@grad.southernct.edu
SUMMARY:Dissertation Defense: Danielle Hill
DESCRIPTION:Title: Evaluating Machaeroprosopus Spp. Squamosal Morphology Based on New Material from the Martha’s Butte Beds: Chinle Formation\, Arizona \nAbbreviated Abstract: Occurrences of fragmentary phytosaurian (Machaeroprosopus spp.) squamosal bones are common in the Martha’s Butte Beds (Chinle Formation: Sonsela Member) of northeastern Arizona. Within the paleontology collection at Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU-P)\, multiple fragmentary squamosals display higher morphological variability than has been previously documented within Machaeroprosopus. Past studies have suggested that characters associated with the postorbital-squamosal bar are taxonomically informative among phytosaurs. The occurrence of squamosals outside the range of documented morphological variability raises questions regarding the extent of inter- and intraspecific variation among Machaeroprosopus spp. and the utility of fragmentary squamosal material in determining species-level taxonomic identification. Here\, I will describe in detail the morphology of 13 Machaeroprosopus squamosals in SCSU’s vertebrate paleontology collection. Published accounts of Machaeroprosopus squamosal anatomy will be referenced to determine the degree of morphological variation found in the SCSU-P specimens. Further\, I will describe the morphology of four complete squamosals with referrals to Machaeroprosopus spp. and incorporate these into a specimen-level phylogenetic analysis alongside the SCSU-P fragmentary squamosals to investigate whether species-level affinities can be established for the SCSU-P specimens. Although species-level assignment was not possible for most specimens\, I identified three morphotypes among the SCSU-P squamosal specimens\, suggesting that multiple phytosaur morphs were present in this paleoecosystem. Such variation could suggest subtle differences in jaw muscle organization and biomechanical function depending on species\, skull size\, sexual dimorphism\, and/or ontogenetic stage. My results highlight the need for large-scale documentation of inter- and intraspecific variation and investigation into the relationships between morphology\, function\, and ecology among Machaeroprosopus.
URL:https://grad.southernct.edu/event/dissertation-defense-danielle-hill/
LOCATION:Jennings Hall\, Room 131\, 501 Crescent Street\, New Haven\, CT
CATEGORIES:Defense
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://grad.southernct.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Hill_Field_Photo_Danielle-Hill.jpeg
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20250513T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20250513T120000
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CREATED:20250423T164945Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250423T164945Z
UID:10000084-1747134000-1747137600@grad.southernct.edu
SUMMARY:Masters Thesis Defense: Allison Kross
DESCRIPTION:Title: A Comparative Study of the Tracheal Michroanatomy in Harbor Seals (Phocavitulina)\, COmmon Dolphin (Delphis delphis)\, and Florida Manatee (trichechus manatus latirostris) \nAbstract: The trachea plays an important role in the transportation of gases in and out of the lungs as well as preventing foregoing objects from entering the lungs. Marine mammals have a specialized respiratory system adapted for life in aquatic environments. Previous studies have examined the gross anatomical structure of different marine mammal species and the microanatomy of the harbor seal alone. In this study we describe and compare the tracheal microanatomy for the harbror seal (Phoca vitulina)\, common dolphin (Delphinus delphis)\, and Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris). A gross examination was carried out to measure the thickness of the cartilage rings and the condition of the epithelium. Frozen tissue samples were sectioned using a cryostat and the tissue was stained with H&E\, Gomori’s trichrome\, and toludine blue. Among the three species\, the Florida manatee was found to the thickest cartilage rings\, ranging between 8.0-9.0mm while the harbor seal and common dolphin ranged between 0.94 mm and 1.35 mm. Additionally\, vasculature was identified within the cartilage rings of the Florida manatee which is unusual for mammals as cartilage is typically avascular. Crypts were identified within the Florida manatee that appear to have similar morphology to crypts found in the intestines. Crypts or undulations in the epithelium were identified within the common dolphin as well. Furthermore\, there was abundant vasculature in all species examined with the Florida manatee and common dolphin both having long veins and the Florida manatee having the largest arteries. In recent years\, respiratory illnesses in marine mammals have been on the rise across the globe. With this rise\, it is important to understand the normal microanatomy for marine mammals before the abnormal in the case of respiratory illness can be identified.
URL:https://grad.southernct.edu/event/masters-thesis-defense-allison-kross/
LOCATION:Jennings Hall\, Room 131\, 501 Crescent Street\, New Haven\, CT
CATEGORIES:Defense
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://grad.southernct.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Allison-Kross.jpg
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