The Early Paleogene experienced ecosystem disruption and rebound following the Cretaceous extinction and extreme climatic events, such as the Paleocene Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM), which influenced plant and insect herbivore communities. Additionally, changes in plant and insect diversity in the modern is correlated to regular disturbance, climate and depositional environment. We hypothesized that fluvial environments would have higher plant and insect herbivore diversity and changes in community composition would track one another. To study the microclimate within Hanna Basin, located in Southeastern Wyoming, we collected 804 semi-intact fossil leaves, supplementing with additional museum collections. Utilizing paleoclimate reconstructions, rarefaction curves and ordinations we quantified changes in diversity and community structure. We found that regional climate did not significantly vary across stratigraphic levels. Moreover, plant and insect herbivore diversity did not track one another but community structure did. Further research will look at how nutrient cycling and water availability influence the ecosystem.
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