NEWS - PRESS RELEASES

Fossil King Crab

Exceptional preservation provides the key to life’s mysteries

Annual Science and Engineering lecture to explore the evolution of life

Issued on 10 March 2010

An insight into the history and evolution of life on Earth through the examination of rare fossils will be provided at a free public event at the University of Leicester.

Professor David Siveter, Professor of Palaeontology for the Department of Geology at the University of Leicester will be delivering the College of Science and Engineering’s Annual Lecture entitled, ‘Exceptionally Preserved Fossils: Windows on the Evolution of Life’ on Wednesday 17 March at 6.00pm in the Bennett Building, Lecture Theatre 1, University of Leicester.

The lecture is part of a series of events at the University of Leicester celebrating National Science and Engineering Week.

Normally it is only the hard parts of an animal, for example shell or bone that may get preserved as fossils. Cases of exceptional preservation occur when soft parts of animals and entire soft-bodied animals are also captured in the fossil record. Our understanding of evolution relies heavily on exceptional preservation, providing an unparalleled view of animal palaeobiology and biodiversity.

The lecture will focus on spectacular finds from two of the world’s most important fossil assemblages, from 530 million year old rocks in China and 425 million year old rocks in the Welsh Borderland where fossils representing a wide range of marine animals have been uncovered.

Professor Siveter commented:

“There are examples of exceptionally well preserved fossils dotted throughout the last 700 million years of Earth history as recorded in the rock record, but of these there are perhaps about 15 which are of outstanding scientific importance because of the abundance of the fossils they contain and what they tell us about the evolution of life.

“Exceptional preservation captures life forms that would otherwise be lost and we would be left with a biased view of the evolution life on Earth.”

Professor Siveter will explain how the preservation of soft parts and entire soft-bodied animals, such as worms, gives an insight into the palaeobiology, biodiversity, palaeoecology and evolution of life that is impossible to obtain by studying the normal ‘shelly’ fossil record alone.

He said:

“Fossils have the capacity to engage and fascinate all age groups. It is an exciting moment when a geologist cracks open a rock to discover an animal or plant that hasn’t seen the light of day for perhaps hundreds of millions of years. It will be a pleasure to share some of that thrill with others.”

‘Exceptionally Preserved Fossils: Windows on the Evolution of Life’ will take place on Wednesday 17 March at 6.00pm in the Bennett Building, Lecture Theatre 1. This lecture is free and open to the public and refreshments will be available in the Bennett foyer from 5.45pm. To express an interest in attending or if you have any queries, please contact Sue Howell via skh14@le.ac.uk or 0116 252 3497.

The lecture is being given as part of a series of events at the University of Leicester celebrating National Science and Engineering Week. National Science and Engineering Week (NSEW) is a ten day programme of science, engineering and technology events and activities across the UK aimed at people of all ages, which is now in its 17th year.

This year, NSEW takes place between 12-21 March with the theme of ‘Earth’. This complements the International Year of Biodiversity and includes everything from the Earth’s amazing wildlife and people to its place in the Universe and how it works.

National Science and Engineering Week is funded by the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills and works in partnership with Engineering UK. Click here for more information about all of the National Science and Engineering events taking place at the University of Leicester.

Note to Newsdesks:

For more information, please contact Professor David Siveter via djs@le.ac.uk or 0116 252 3925.

Amy Cory