Biogeography and evolution of Australia's fossil reptiles: A global perspective. Large marine reptiles such as plesiosaurs, and missing links such as legged snakes, are spectacular animals that have captured public attention. This collaboration will directly enhance public museum displays by collecting and preparing these spectacular fossils; many of the fossils found by the CIs are now centerpieces of museum displays (e.g. the SA museum). Also, it will also promote awareness and sustainable u ....Biogeography and evolution of Australia's fossil reptiles: A global perspective. Large marine reptiles such as plesiosaurs, and missing links such as legged snakes, are spectacular animals that have captured public attention. This collaboration will directly enhance public museum displays by collecting and preparing these spectacular fossils; many of the fossils found by the CIs are now centerpieces of museum displays (e.g. the SA museum). Also, it will also promote awareness and sustainable use of the environment: it will facilitate CI Kear in running earthwatch-style ecotourism field trips which promote sustainable use of finite fossil resources by making them commercially valuable to local communities as a source of tourism revenue.Read moreRead less
The Cambrian Population Explosion of Arthropods in Australia: Ediacaran origins, evolution and biodiversity. This project addresses key questions on the origin and diversification of life, by investigating the evolution of the most important fossil group (arthropods) across arguably the most important event after the origin of life (the Cambrian explosion of macroscopic life). It will also excavate, promote and conserve two key geological resources of national importance, in the Flinders Ranges ....The Cambrian Population Explosion of Arthropods in Australia: Ediacaran origins, evolution and biodiversity. This project addresses key questions on the origin and diversification of life, by investigating the evolution of the most important fossil group (arthropods) across arguably the most important event after the origin of life (the Cambrian explosion of macroscopic life). It will also excavate, promote and conserve two key geological resources of national importance, in the Flinders Ranges and Kangaroo Island. Also, it will lead to increased knowledge of the palaeoecology and geology of the economically-important Adelaide geosyncline, and benefit rural SA communities through ecotourism, a rural schools education program, and public outreach.Read moreRead less