Journal of Paleontology manuscript template and style guidelines
(title left justified, 16 pt., bold, only capitalize proper names)
Steven J. Hageman1 and Brian R. Pratt2
1
Department of Geology, Appalachian State University, Boone, North Carolina 28608, USA
<hagemansj@appstate.edu>
2
Department of Geological Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
S7N 5E2, Canada <brian.pratt@usask.ca>
Running Header: Descriptive summary of topic, maximum 60 characters + spaces
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Abstract.—The abstract should be a short version of the paper and should include in some
form (1) the background and/or context; (2) the research question(s) or hypothesis/problem
or reason for the study; (3) general methods and materials, i.e., the approach to the question,
the general time and place of specimens; (4) results, kept separated from background and
implications and (5) implications or the broader relevance of the study.
Begin with "Abstract" in bold immediately followed by an em-dash (use three short
dashes "---" if a long option is not available). The names of all new taxa and combinations
must be included in the abstract. Do not include a list of key words as contents are fully
indexed. Place centered solid lines above and below the abstract.
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Introduction
This document provides an example of Journal of Paleontology (JPA) style, with brief
organizations. The document (MS Word doc) provides a template that authors can utilize and
modify as needed to construct their manuscript. A separate document, Instructions for
Contributors, provides general information about manuscript preparation including formatting,
production of figures and tables, and style. Additional, important information is provided in
linked documents for Systematic Paleontology, creation of Figures and Tables, and References
Formatting. This document is Style and Template.
Manuscripts can be considered for scientific review in the Journal of Paleontology that do
not conform to completely journal style and formating at the time of submission, however, new
submissions must be: (1) complete, with no content or files missing; (2) have an internally
consistant formatting and style; (3) be in standard English with proper grammar and correct
spelling, and (4) conform to the overall organization, and constructual requirements of a JPA
published article. Adherence to Journal of Paleontology style and formatring is a requirement for
final acceptance of all manuscripts.
All text in the manuscript should be double spaced, including references, figure captions,
table headers, etc. Line numbering is preferred, but not required (MS Word: Format–Document–
Line Numbering). As a default, papers should be organized around these primary headings:
Introduction, with no sub-headings, Materials and methods, Systematic paleontology,
Results, Discussion. A Conclusions section can be included at the end where appropriate. You
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may use other titles and/or additional primary headings, e.g. Geologic setting, Previous work,
Phylogenetic analysis, Paleobiogeography, etc. Ensure, however, that each primary heading
contains only (and all of) the content covered by its topic.
This is a primary heading
Primary headings are left justified, bold, 14 pt. font. Only capitalize the first word and formal
names. Double space (one blank line) both before and after primary headings. The first sentence
begins flush left (not indented).
Subsequent paragraphs begin with indent (single tab, not spaces).
This is a second-level heading.—Second-level headings are flush left, italicized, 12 pt. font with
only the first word and formal names capitalized. The heading is followed immediately by a
period and em-dash (use three short dashes "---" if a single long is not available), begin the text
immediately after the em-dash (no space). Double space (one blank line) before a second-level
heading. There are no blank lines between paragraphs within a subheading's section.
This is a third-level heading.—Only use third-level headings when required by complex
circumstances. Third-level headings are indented, normal 12 pt. font, with only the first word
and formal names capitalized. The heading is followed immediately by a period and em-dash
with no spaces before or after. There is no blank line before a third-level heading. All paragraphs
in the text begin with an indent (tab once, do not insert spaces).
In-text citations.—Commas separate authors from years and semicolons separate references
(Hageman, 2014; Pratt, 1996, 1999; Hageman and Pratt, 2004; Pratt et al. 2012). Include page
number after a comma when a direct quotation is given or it refers to a page in a book-length
source (Hageman, 2010, p. 1301). Use lower case when referring to a specific figure or table
(Pratt, 2002, fig. 2, table 3). The linked document Check sheet for manuscript submission
provides additional examples of in-text citations.
Personal communication and unpublished data.—Personal communications should be used
rarely, but can be cited in text by a source's last name, initials, and year, e.g. "(personal
communication, S. R. Westrop, 2014)". Information known to the authors but not formally
published should also be used rarely, but can be cited in text by the author's name and year, e.g.,
"(unpublished data, Hageman, 2015)".
Neither personal communications nor unpublished data should be included in the formal
reference list.
General submission requirements
Manuscripts must be complete at submission, containing all information necessary and ready for
publication. Manuscripts found to be incomplete (e.g., missing catalog numbers, mis-numbered
or poor quality figures, incomplete references, etc.) will be returned without review. The linked
document Check sheet for manuscript submission provides final submission requirements.
Cover letters.—A confidential cover letter is required for each new submission and revision if
necessary. For new submissions, outline why the manuscript is an important contribution and
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certify that the material is not under consideration by another journal and that all the authors
have seen an approved version of the submission.
The cover letter accompanying a revised manuscript should explain in detail the changes
made (or not made) in response to the comments from the reviewers, associate editor and editor,
and that all the authors have seen an approved version of the revision.
Locality and repository information
Repository information.—It is a requirement for acceptance and publication in the Journal that
all illustrated and type specimens must be deposited in a publicly accessible, permanently
curated museum or institutional repository and assigned unique catalog numbers. The status of
additional material used must also be recorded. Repository catalog numbers need to be noted
under the Holotype and Material headings within the Systematic paleontology section and
figure captions.
Locality information.—Locality information must be provided for all specimens and collections
that are described, illustrated, or evaluated, especially when new collections are studied, but can
be presented in a number of formats. Exceptional circumstances to protect certain rare or
exceptional collecting localities can be archived with the institutional collections and available to
qualified researchers. Maps (figures) with localities indicated as well as tables or an appendix for
large data sets can be used. In all cases, localities must be provided with geospatial coordinates
(decimal Latitude and Longitude, UTM or other standard system). The datum must be included
(e.g. WGS84). A generalized locality map or field photograph by itself is not adequate for this
purpose. Precise geographic and stratigraphic information may not be available for certain older
museum collections, even though such collections may have historic or systematic significance.
Geologic data
Geologic time.—Use time units in the most recent version of the International Stratigraphic
Commission (ISC) time scale <www.stratigraphy.org>. If regional or local stage names are
used, they must be associated with the ISC equivalent the first time they are used.
Stratigraphic information.—The stratigraphic context and position of all specimens and
collections must also be clearly defined. This information should be included in a brief section
about a Geological or stratigraphic setting section of the manuscript and summarized under the
Occurrence subheading within the Systematic paleontology section. More detailed geographic
and stratigraphic locality information is best recorded in either an Appendix or as Supplemental
Data. Reference to previously published stratigraphic and paleontological studies may be
sufficient in some instances.
Equations.—Center equations and number sequentially (in parentheses) at the lower right. Cite
equations in text as Equation 1 or (Eq. 1).
A = π r2
(1)
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Insert blanks lines before and after the equation. Any text following the equation that is part of
the same paragraph should begin flush left. Indent (tab) if a new paragraph begins.
Systematic paleontology
The document Systematic paleontology contains detailed instructions for organization and
formatting of the Systematic paleontology section. Please download and use that document a
template for manuscript preparation.
Results
This section is used to describe the objective observations and results of the study. Subheadings
can be used as needed, but the Results section should not interpret the meaning or significance
of the results. Reserve those activities for a separate Discussion section.
Figures
Figures should be submitted at the best possible quality. We cannot improve overall appearance
and resolution.
Figures must be submitted at 100% size and in final format (orientation and resolution) with
the preferred size, one column or two column width included in the file name, e.g.
Fig3 Hageman [2 Col].tif
Figure_4_Pratt_[1_Col].eps
Figure content and format.—Figures should be submitted at final size in either one-column (9.0
cm) or two-column (18.0 cm) width at a maximum height of (27 cm). Labels and text used in
figures must be sanserif font (e.g. Arial). Minimum font size in figures is 9 point at final size.
Minimum line weight is 0.3 pt. and prominent lines should be approximately 1 pt.
Detailed instructions for figure construction and formatting are in the linked file Figures and
Tables and the "Cambridge Journal Artwork Guide" provides complete information for the
production of figures.
Color print figures.—Color photographic images should only be used in cases where color/hue
carries essential scientific information. By default, high contrast black and white (grayscale)
images should be used. If color figures are not of adequate quality or appropriate for review or
final online or PDF production, the manuscript will be returned to the author and replacement
figures will be requested.
There is a charge of $250 for print for each color figure in the print version. There is no
charge for color figures that appear only in the online and in PDF versions of the final paper but
are black & white in the print version. When color figures are used, but authors do not wish to
pay for color print, the following procedure will be followed:
(1) At initial Quality Check before scientific review, images with be converted to black and
white to determine if it is feasible, in principle, to print the color image in grayscale. For example
if a multi-colored scatter plot is reduced to un-discernable gray dots, the author will be asked to
redraft the chart to include symbols that are distinguishable in both color and grayscale.
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(2) After provisional acceptance of the manuscript, the production staff will convert color
images to their optimal grayscale versions for print.
(3) At that time, if the quality of print version is not acceptable to the authors or editors, the
authors will have the choice of paying $250 for color print, or redrafting the color image in a
way such that grayscale conversion is feasible.
In text figure citation.—Figures can be called out in the text as abbreviations within parentheses,
e.g., (Fig. 1). Use singular when parts of the same figure are called (Fig. 1.1, 1.4, 1.7–1.9).
Figures may be called out within the text as Figure 1. Avoid use of "see Figure" or "as shown in
Figure".
Figure captions.—The linked document JPA Figures and Tables includes examples of detailed
figure captions, which can be used as templates in manuscript preparation. Figure captions
should be provided in a list at the end of the manuscript. Note that at the time of manuscript
submission you will also be prompted to enter (paste) a figure caption for each figure file at time
of upload (Edit details after submission). This caption box will lose special formatting, e.g.,
italics and bold. You may correct the formatting with the special character box if you wish, but it
is not required. However, the text of the two figure captions much match exactly.
Tables
Please submit each table as an individual file in MS Word (.doc or .docx) or MS Excel (.xls or
.xlsx) format. The file name for each table includes the table number, author's name, suggest
width e.g. single (onecol) or double (twocol) column width, and, if required, instructions for
rotation on the page, and file type extension, e.g., Table1_Pratt_twocol.xlsx,
Table2_Pratt_onecol.docx, or Table3_Pratt_rotated.xlsx.
Each table must include a caption, each column includes a heading and all abbreviations in
the table are defined either in the header or in a footnote immediately below the table, flush left.
Tables are numbered/ordered in the sequence that they first are cited in the text. Tables should be
ordered as they are cited in the text. Tables may only contain text and numbers, and each column
must include a heading. Tables may not contain images, non-ASCII symbols, fill colors, or lines.
Tabulated data with any of these elements should be designated a figure.
Discussion
The organization and content of the Discussion section will vary as needed. This section should
include implications of the results from this study, and their relevance to previous and future
studies. Use sub-headings to organize.
Conclusions
The Conclusions section is optional, depending on the nature of the study, but should provide an
informative closure to the paper. Important points may be listed, but do not use bulletted points.
Acknowledgments
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Avoid excessive detail and superlatives. Use initials rather than given names and dispense with
academic titles. It is not necessary to provide institutional affiliations of people being
acknowledged. Do thank the referees (by name if not anonymous). Authors are required to
acknowledge all institutional funding sources.
Accessibility of supplemental data
Supplemental data deposited in Dryad data package
http://datadryad.org/handle/xxxxx/dryad.xxxxx doi:xx.xxxx/dryad.xxxxx
<Note to Authors: Large data sets or any other information such as multimedia content that is too large or
not appropriate for print format, should be placed in Supplemental Data files.
All Supplemental Data files must be uploaded at the time of submission so that they are available to
editors and reviewers.
Supplemental Data files are numbered sequentially as cited in the text by their file name with
extension type, e.g., Supplemental_Data_1.txt or Supplemental_Data_2.xls.
If supplemental data accompany a paper a primary heading called Accessibility of supplemental
data should follow the Acknowledgements section and precede the References. The content of the
section will include information needed to access supplemental data files through Dryad.
Information for submitting files to Dryad will be supplied at the time of manuscript acceptance and is
supported by The Paleontological Society at no cost to the author.>
References
The Journal of Paleontology shares a referencing style with Geological Society of America
publications. Guidelines for formatting references are provided in the linked document
References format, which can be used as a template for manuscript preparation. Single examples
of some of the most common sources (book, article in book, monograph and article in journal)
are provided here.
McKinney, F.K. 2007. The Northern Adriatic Ecosystem: Deep Time in a Shallow Sea: New
York, Cambridge University Press. 299 p.
Miller, A.I., 1990, The relationship between global diversification and spatio-temporal
transitions in Paleozoic Bivalvia, in Miller, W. III, ed. Paleocommunity Temporal Dynamics:
Processes and Patterns of Long-Term Community Development. Paleontological Society
Special Publication 5, p. 85-98.
Pratt, B.R., 1992, Trilobites of the Marjuman and Steptoean stages (upper Cambrian),
Rabbitkettle Formation, southern Mackenzie Mountains, northwest Canada:
Palaeontographica Canadiana, v. 9, 179 p.
Westrop, S.R. and Eoff, J.D., 2012, Late Cambrian (Furongian; Paibian, Steptoean) agnostoid
Arthropods from the Cow Head Group, Western Newfoundland: Journal of Paleontology, v.
86, p. 201–237.
Appendix
Additional information that is relevant to the text, i.e. directly supports its interpretation, but too
long for inclusion as a table or text can be included as an Appendix at the end of the paper,
immediately after the References section and should be called out/cited in the text. If multiple
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appendices are required, each should be numbered consecutively and cited in the text, e.g.,
(Appendix 2). Additional information that supports but is not essential to interpretation of the
paper, such as large data sets, detailed sampling or curatorial information, or special graphics or
multimedia should be included in Supplemental Data. Appendix file(s) should be saved as a
separate MS Word (.doc or .docx) or MS Excel (.xls or .xlsx) document. Captions, if used,
should accompany appendix files. Appendices will be printed in a smaller font size unless
special arrangements are requested at the time of submission.
List of figure captions
Figure 1. Figure captions should be included as a list at the end of the manuscript. Captions
should also be pasted into the text box at time of upload of the figure file. Parts of a figure can be
designated as (1) Front of the seal of the Paleontological Society, and (2) reverse side of seal.
Figure 2. Photographs of figured specimens of calyces of Rhaphanocrinus subnodosus (Walcott,
1883) from Walcott-Rust Quarry, showing rounded calyx walls, strong median-ray and stellate
ridges, numerous fixed brachs and pinnulars; all specimens from MCZ and coated with
ammonium chloride: (1, 2) E ray of calyx and oblique basal view of calyx showing basal
concavity, infrabasals, and rim around stem facet, E ray at base of figure, 172799, scale=1 cm;
(3) basal view of calyx with basal concavity, attached rounded stem segment with large round
lumen covers the infrabasals and much of the basal concavity, D ray at base of figure, 172804,
x2.7; (4, 5) C ray and CD interray of calyx and oblique basal view of specimen with attached
stem segment, C ray at base of figure, 113449, x2.7; (6, 7) E ray of calyx and oblique basal view
of specimen with attached stem segment, E ray at base of figure, 172800, x2.7; (8) lateral
interray of calyx with proximal stem segment showing numerous nodose plates, 172797, scale
bar is 1.5 cm.
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