EPL On The Edge
On The Edge is a speaker series featuring cutting-edge research presented by scholars and researchers from Edmonton's academic community. Presented by the University of Alberta's Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies (GPS), these sessions take place monthly at the Strathcona Library Branch. All are welcome to attend and explore the forefront of academic discovery with us!
Worms of wisdom: Using ancient worm burrows to understand Earth’s history
This talk explores the fascinating field of ichnology – the intersection of geology and paleontology – where we uncover the secrets of Earth's past by examining the traces left behind by ancient life. Forget bones and shells – we're diving into the world of fossilized footprints, burrows, and trails!
Since the evolution of complex life ocean floors have been home to soft-bodied animals, like marine worms. These animals leave behind traces in the sediment, much like humans leave footprints in the sand. These ‘traces’ enter the rock record as ‘trace fossils’ when sediments turn to stone. During this talk, we will discover how these seemingly simple fossil markings can reveal incredible details about ancient environments, animal behavior, and even the evolution of life itself.
Date/Time: Tuesday, March 18, 2025 | 7 - 8:30 p.m. MDT | Online (Zoom)
About the Presenter:
Sara Biddle, a PhD Candidate in the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, uses ichnology (the study of ‘trace fossils’, or fossilized tracks, trails, and burrows in sedimentary rocks) to understand ancient Earth’s history. She received her Master's in 2020, where she used trace fossils to understand the oxygen history of marine waters from 330 million years ago. Her PhD research focuses on trace-fossil reconstruction of the ocean's oxygen levels from 100 million years ago, during a past global warming event.
Contact Us
Jay Friesen, Ph.D.
Educational Curriculum Developer
Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies
Email: jayf@ualberta.ca