PHYLOGENETIC ANALYSIS OF THE PERMIAN BLASTOID GENUS DELTOBLASTUS FAY

With 18 species and thousands of curated specimens, Deltoblastus Fay has never been subjected to analytical scrutiny, providing a unique opportunity to evaluate the member species, compare newly proposed species’ morphologies to established members, and better visualize how genus Deltoblastus differs from Schizoblastus. Using data collected from original descriptions and plates, a binomial character matrix is constructed, representing 58 character states unique to Deltoblastus species. Neighbor joining cluster analysis is performed in tandem with parsimony analysis, advancing support for species-clade determinations. Results from branch-and-bound parsimony analysis using Fitch assumptions demonstrate a gradational divergence from Schizoblastus-type morphology, trending toward two distinct morphologic groups. Inferences from environmental cues suggest these preferred morphologies may represent adaptations to Permian marine habitats.