Not so simple… Origin, evolution and ecology of the first vertebrate predators
18 November
Conodonts are a group of extinct jawless fish that where the first vertebrates with mineralized ‘teeth’, called ‘elements’. Known almost exclusively from fossils of disarticulated elements much about this charismatic group of animals is poorly understood, in particular their origin and early evolution. However, by applying a range of cutting edge analytical techniques to delve into the microscopic structure of the elements themselves, combined with evidence from vanishingly rare soft tissues, we can piece together the early history of conodonts. Highlighting their importance as the first macrophagous vertebrate predators.
Dr Duncan Murdock, Collections Manager (Earth Collections), Oxford University Museum of Natural History
Venue:
The Lamp Tavern,
116 High Street,
Dudley,
West Midlands.
DY1 1QT.