JSM 2004 - Toronto

Abstract #300254

This is the preliminary program for the 2004 Joint Statistical Meetings in Toronto, Canada. Currently included in this program is the "technical" program, schedule of invited, topic contributed, regular contributed and poster sessions; Continuing Education courses (August 7-10, 2004); and Committee and Business Meetings. This on-line program will be updated frequently to reflect the most current revisions.

To View the Program:
You may choose to view all activities of the program or just parts of it at any one time. All activities are arranged by date and time.

The views expressed here are those of the individual authors
and not necessarily those of the ASA or its board, officers, or staff.

Back to main JSM 2004 Program page
Activity Number: 94
Type: Invited
Date/Time: Monday, August 9, 2004 : 10:30 AM to 12:20 PM
Sponsor: Section on Statistics and the Environment
Abstract - #300254
Title: Bayesian Modeling of Mass Extinctions
Author(s): Steve C. Wang*+
Companies: Swarthmore College
Address: Dept. of Mathematics and Statistics, Swarthmore, PA, 19081,
Keywords: paleontology ; uniform distribution ; Poisson process
Abstract:

Mass extinctions have played a major role in the history of life. The end-Cretaceous extinction 65 million years ago, for instance, killed the dinosaurs and opened the way for many new mammal species. A much-debated question in paleontology is whether any particular mass extinction event was sudden or gradual. We address this question by presenting a Bayesian model for the mass extinction of a collection of species. We also calculate interval estimates of the duration of the extinction event. Such information provides critical evidence for inferring whether the extinction was sudden and caused by factors such as asteroid impact, or gradual and caused by factors such as climate change.

  • The address information is for the authors that have a + after their name.
  • Authors who are presenting talks have a * after their name.

Back to the full JSM 2004 program

JSM 2004 For information, contact jsm@amstat.org or phone (888) 231-3473. If you have questions about the Continuing Education program, please contact the Education Department.
Revised March 2004