The Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum

My research interests primarily concern mammalian responses to the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM). The PETM is an instance of rapid-onset climatic warming that occurred roughly 56 million years ago. Global temperatures rose 5-8 degrees centigrade and certain regions became far more arid and seasonal. In response, numerous mammal species exhibit body mass reduction during the interval (as high as 40% in some taxa).

I am particularly interested in mammalian dietary change across the PETM. Using dental microwear texture analysis, I investigate changes in the mechanical properties of objects consumed by mammals through this period of time. The presence or absence of dietary change across the PETM will shed light on how animals respond to rapid climate change and may therefore predict the response of modern mammals facing climate change today.