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University of Wyoming
Jonathan Hoffman

Jonathan Hoffman
PhD Candidate in Geology
Graduate Fellow
scienceposse@uwyo.edu

 

Topics for the Classroom

  • Understanding Geologic Time and Absolute and Relative Dating
  • Systematics and Phylogeny
  • Understanding the Risk Levels of Natural Hazards
  • Evolution
  • Paleoecology and Stable Isotopes
  • Paleontology and Geology of Wyoming

 Science Background

M.S. in Geology, University of Florida

Thesis: Using Stable Carbon Isotope, Microwear, and Mesowear Analyses to Determine the Paleodiets of Neogene Ungulates and the Presence of C4 or C3 Grasses in Northern and Central Florida

B.A. in Geology, Occidental College

Publications

  • Prothero, Donald R., Hoffman, Jonathan M., and Goedert, James L. 2008. 
    • Paleomagnetism of the Oligocene and Miocene Lincoln Creek and Astoria formations, Knappton, Washington. Geology and Vertebrate Paleontology of Western and Southern North America, Science Series 41, pp. 63-72.
  • Prothero, Donald R. and Hoffman, Jonathan M. 2006.
    • Magnetic Stratigraphy of the Upper Miocene (Early Hemphillian) Rattlesnake Formation, central Oregon. Paleobios, vol. 26, no. 1.
  • Hoffman, Jonathan M. and Prothero, Donald R. 2004.
    • Revision of the late Oligocene Dwarfed leptauchenine oreodont Sespia (Mammalia: Artiodactyla). Paleogene Mammals, Bulletin 26, New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science, pp. 155-164. 
  • Prothero, Donald R. and Hoffman, Jonathan. 2001.
    • Magnetic Stratigraphy of Upper Oligocene Lower Miocene Soda Lake Shale Member of the Vaqueros Formation, Caliente Range, San Luis Obispo County, California. Magnetic Stratigraphy of the Pacific Coast Cenozoic, Book 91, Pacific Section SEPM, pp. 254-261.

Current Research 

My research focuses on utilizing fossils to interpret past environments as well as to understand the relationship between mammalian evolution and climate change. To do this, I utilize stable isotopes and tooth wear analyses to determine the diets of extinct mammalian herbivores. These techniques also provide information about the local and regional environments. I am currently applying these methods to the hoofed mammals found in the John Day Fossil Beds in Central Oregon. These fossils range in age from approximately 25 to 7 million years ago.