Ediacaran Fauna Fossils

Funisia dorothea and Dickinsonia

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In this episode, journey back in time to learn about Ediacaran Fauna, a diverse group of organisms that lived in the world's oceans about 580 million years ago. We’ll meet Dickinsonia rex, a sort of living bathmat without eyes or a mouth, and other strange denizens of the primordial slimebed. Paleontologists Mary Droser and Jim Gehling explain how they’re working to reconstruct this ancient ecosystem by studying fossils and shed light on the enduring evolutionary puzzle of how and why the first complex life forms arose.

This podcast was funded by the NASA Astrobiology Institute.

Photo Credit: Dr. Phoebe Cohen

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Fossil Finds

We asked listeners to send in a picture of a fossil that they have found on their travels or in their own backyard. We received some great photos and stories. Thanks to all who contributed!
Check out our feature fossil find and many more here.

We asked listeners to send in a picture of a fossil that they have found on their travels or in their own backyard. We received some great photos and stories. Thanks to all who contributed! 

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We Want to Hear from You
Have you ever found a fossil, in your own backyard or on your travels? Share your find with us here.

We Want to Hear from You

Have you ever found a fossil, in your own backyard or on your travels? Share your find with us here. Or email us with a picture at: education@eol.org

If you like, tell us your name and where you are from. Leaving a message using our toll free number, Skype or the online recorder gives us permission to use it in our podcast and on our website. Thanks for contributing!


 

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