Wed 4th November 2020 @ 12:00 nn at 312.222

Abstract:

Exceptionally preserved fossils from the Late Devonian Gogo Formation, in the Canning Basin, Western Australia have provided the earliest record of 3D muscle preservation. The use of synchrotron and neutron micro tomography reveals the presence organs (eye, stomach, liver and guts) and provides the first evidence for the internal body plan within early jawed vertebrates. This information has enabled the field of vision to be calculated, diet to be determined and swimming ability. Geochemical analyses of the vertebrate fossils has provided data on the pathways involved in the exceptional preservation of this Devonian Konservat-Lagerstätte.

Short bio:

Kate has been working as a palaeontologist in Western Australia for the last 20 years. She was awarded Malcolm McIntosh Prize for Physical Scientist (2010) one of the prestigious Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science for her work using synchrotron and micro CT to investigate and interpret soft tissues preserved in fossil fish. With colleagues she discovered fossil embryos and presented the earliest evidence of live birth within jawed vertebrates. This work was internationally recognized with the discovery being awarded as one of the Top 10 Species Discoveries for 2009.