The fossil calibration database-A new resource for divergence dating

Ksepka DT, Parham JF, Allman JF, Benton MJ, Carrano MT, Cranston KA, Donoghue PCJ, Head JJ, Hermsen EJ, Irmis RB, Joyce WG, Kohli M, Lamm KD, Leehr D, Patane JL, Polly PD, Phillips MJ, Smith NA, Smith ND, Van Tuinen M, Ware JL, Warnock RCM (2015)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2015

Journal

Book Volume: 64

Pages Range: 853-859

Journal Issue: 5

DOI: 10.1093/sysbio/syv025

Abstract

Fossils provide the principal basis for temporal calibrations, which are critical to the accuracy of divergence dating analyses. Translating fossil data into minimum and maximum bounds for calibrations is the most important-often least appreciated-step of divergence dating. Properly justified calibrations require the synthesis of phylogenetic, paleontological, and geological evidence and can be difficult for nonspecialists to formulate. The dynamic nature of the fossil record (e.g., new discoveries, taxonomic revisions, updates of global or local stratigraphy) requires that calibration data be updated continually lest they become obsolete. Here, we announce the Fossil Calibration Database (http://fossilcalibrations.org), a new openaccess resource providing vetted fossil calibrations to the scientific community. Calibrations accessioned into this database are based on individual fossil specimens and follow best practices for phylogenetic justification and geochronological constraint. The associated Fossil Calibration Series, a calibration-themed publication series at Palaeontologia Electronica, will serve as a key pipeline for peer-reviewed calibrations to enter the database.

Authors with CRIS profile

Involved external institutions

University of Groningen / Rijksuniversiteit Groningen Netherlands (NL) The State University of New Jersey (Rutgers) United States (USA) (US) Field Museum of Natural History United States (USA) (US) Queensland University of Technology (QUT) Australia (AU) Smithsonian Institution United States (USA) (US) Howard University United States (USA) (US) University of São Paulo / Universidade de São Paulo (USP) Brazil (BR) California State University (CSUF) United States (USA) (US) National Evolutionary Synthesis Center (NESCent) United States (USA) (US) University of Nebraska-Lincoln United States (USA) (US) University of Bristol United Kingdom (GB) Ohio University United States (USA) (US) University of Utah United States (USA) (US) Interrobang Digital Media United States (USA) (US) Indiana University United States (USA) (US) Bruce Museum of Arts and Science United States (USA) (US) North Carolina State University United States (USA) (US) University of Fribourg / Universitè de Fribourg Switzerland (CH)

How to cite

APA:

Ksepka, D.T., Parham, J.F., Allman, J.F., Benton, M.J., Carrano, M.T., Cranston, K.A.,... Warnock, R.C.M. (2015). The fossil calibration database-A new resource for divergence dating. Systematic Biology, 64(5), 853-859. https://dx.doi.org/10.1093/sysbio/syv025

MLA:

Ksepka, Daniel T., et al. "The fossil calibration database-A new resource for divergence dating." Systematic Biology 64.5 (2015): 853-859.

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