Stratigraphy and Taphonomy of Grizzly Buttes, Bridger Formation, Middle Eocene of Wyoming
Document Type
Contribution to Book
Journal/Book Title/Conference
Eocene Biodiversity
Publisher
Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishing, New York
Publication Date
2001
First Page
165
Last Page
196
Abstract
For over a century the Bridger Formation of southwestern Wyoming has yielded fossils of many important middle Eocene vertebrate taxa. This formation is of particular interest to the study of ancient primates because their remains are plentiful. In fact, the first fossil primates described from the Western Hemisphere, Omomys carteri and Notharctus tenebrosus were found here (Leidy, 1869, Leidy, 1870). Arguably, the premier fossil collecting locale within the Green River Basin is an area known as Grizzly Buttes (Figure 1). Although the place name has disappeared from official maps and the local lexicon (West, 1990), it is well established in the paleontological literature. The area has a rich history. Both O. C. Marsh and E. D. Cope collected from these outcrops in the 1870′s extending their professional rivalry to the description of Bridgerian mammals (Wheeler, 1961). The area is figured by H. F. Osborn (1910) as the “famous” locality of Grizzly Buttes.
Recommended Citation
Alexander, J.P. and Burger, B.J. 2001: Stratigraphy and Taphonomy of Grizzly Buttes, Bridger Formation, Middle Eocene of Wyoming in G. F. Gunnell (ed.) Eocene Biodiversity. Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishing, New York. pp. 165-196. (Book Chapter)
