The Weird and the Wonderful: interpreting exceptionally-preserved fossils



Soft-bodied fossils appear different to the once-living animals because during fossilisation two-processes - decay and preservation - result in the loss or modification of anatomical features. How do we see through this filter to read fossils correctly? In this lecture Professor Gabbot will explain why rotting animals in the laboratory is one very useful way forwards, helping us to interpret the anatomy of animals from their fossil counterparts. She will also show how analysing the chemistry of exceptionally-preserved fossils helps us to understand their journey from flesh to fossil!

Professor Sarah Gabbot is palaeobiologist from the University of Leicester. Her research focuses on exceptional preservation, and the use of a variety of analytical techniques and novel laboratory decay experiments to understand the transformation of animal remains during fossilization.

Free, but advance booking required.


Suitable for adults and young people – beginners and experts welcome!
Speakers will start with the basics before introducing their specialist field of expertise.

6.00pm doors open for viewing of the First Animals exhibition
6.30pm talk begins in the Lecture Theatre