Scientists set to gather at Plymouth University for global palaeontology conference

From the colouration of dinosaurs and the causes of their ultimate extinction to the evolution of mammals and the very present threat that climate change poses to our oceans: the 55th Annual Meeting of the Palaeontological Association is set to showcase a broad spectrum of research from scientists across the globe.

Hosted by the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences at Plymouth University this weekend, the conference is set to feature presentations and keynote lectures from some of the most respected members of the international palaeontology and palaeobiology community.

Among them will be Professor Paul Pearson, of Cardiff University, whose public address on Sunday evening will look at climate and the evolution, extinction and recovery of different ecosystems in our prehistoric oceans. Professor Pearson will frame current changes – such as the warming and acidification of our seas – from this historical perspective, and consider the risks of a future mass extinction.

Richard Twitchett, from the Faculty of Science and Technology at Plymouth University, and part of the organising team, said: “This is the biggest event of its kind in Europe, with over 250 delegates from 25 countries. So we are delighted that Plymouth is staging this annual meeting for the first time.

“The programme is an eclectic one boasting research from around the world, including some conducted right here in Devon. It ranges from the origin of sponges and animal life; to ‘zombie’ worms which feast on whale carcasses; population explosions and extinctions; and the workings of the first vertebrate jaws.”

Some of the research will be unveiled to the public for the first time, including insights into the colouration of dinosaur feathers from a team of scientists from America.
There will also be sessions on the diversity and evolution of insects, including a reconstruction of the original colours of a fossilised moth that existed 47 million years ago, and talks on ancient shark species.

The Annual Meeting of the Palaeontological Association will run from Saturday 17th to Tuesday 20th December, and will be held in lecture theatres across the Plymouth campus.