The University of Queensland

Early Palaeozoic radiolarian evolution (2015–2020)

Abstract:

The project will apply a new transformative technology; X-ray micro computed tomography (3D micro-CT) to the study of Early Palaeozoic (530-300 million year old) radiolarian microfossils. This will for the first time allow non-destructive examination to elucidate the internal skeletal architecture of these fossils that is critical to understanding their evolution. Computer reconstruction of 3D images will reveal details upon which an understanding of early phylogenetic relationships within this phylum can be developed. This in turn will allow realization of the full biostratigraphic potential of this important long-ranging group of marine protozoans that commonly occur in great abundance in deep marine sedimentary rocks.

Grant type:

ARC Discovery Projects

Researchers:

• 

  Professor Jonathan Aitchison

  Professorial Research Fellow
  

  School of the Environment

  Faculty of Science

Funded by:

Australian Research Council