The Cambrian Population Explosion of Arthropods in Australia: Ediacaran Origins, Evolution and Biodiversity

Primary organisation:	The University of Adelaide
Funded by:	ARC (Linkage Project)
Chief investigators:	Dr Michael S Lee, Associate Professor, School of Earth and Environmental Science, Adelaide University

Project Summary

This project addresses key questions on the origin and diversification of life, by investigating the evolution of the most important fossil group (arthropods) across arguably the most important event after the origin of life (the Cambrian explosion of macroscopic life). It will also excavate, promote and conserve two key geological resources of national importance, in the Flinders Ranges and Kangaroo Island. Also, it will lead to increased knowledge of the palaeoecology and geology of the economically-important Adelaide geosyncline, and benefit rural SA communities through ecotourism, a rural schools education program, and public outreach.