Computer as a Research Tool in Paleontology

Abstract

Many conventional areas of paleontology, taxonomic paleontology in particular, are benefiting increasingly from computers. Until recently, nearly all computer applications dealing with fossils had to do with analysis and processing of data. This has produced great time- saving but little research capability not available at present.

A variety of applications now are emerging wherein computers (both digital and analog) are finding use as true research tools. A few examples may illustrate not only existing strength but also the potential for growth.

Modeling and simulation techniques have been applied to the making of graphical constructions of morphology (and its ontogenetic development). Of particular interest is the capability of producing a spectrum of theoretically possible morphologies for a given group of organisms. This makes it possible to see actually the occurring forms in better perspective and also opens the way for use of optimization techniques in the testing of paradigms. To date, most morphologic models have been deterministic. At least one, however (involving behavior of burrowing organisms), partially is stochastic. Further development of stochastic models may be expected where such models are plausible biologically (as, for example, in the morphology of colonial corals).

Coordinate transformation techniques applied to comparative morphology by D’Arcy Thompson and computerized recently (using trend-surface analysis) could revolutionize the study of morphology.

In the aforementioned applications, “computer graphics” especially are important. In situations where output is in the form of a picture of a hypothetical fossil, it may be evaluated as if it were a photograph or drawing of an actual fossil and thus can be interpreted using accepted methods of morphologic analysis.

Computerized optical scanning and image recognition techniques may become valuable in morphologic description. It is reasonable to expect that such techniques ultimately may be used to “describe” masses of specimen material in terms of established morphologic models.