Mesozoic Austral Biodiversity: Research and Regional Museum Applications

This project utilises diverse phylogenetic, biogeographical and isotopic analyses to investigate factors responsible for past speciation, dispersal and extinction dynamics (e.g. tempo of evolution, divergence timing and climate change) in Australian Mesozoic biotas. The Australian mid-Cretaceous continental record is particularly significant because it spans a poorly know statigraphic interval and is associated with an ancient high-latitude zone periodically subject to near freezing conditions. Intensive palaeontological research will benefit local communities by promoting regional museum tourism and directly creating jobs; this encourages fossil resources to be viewed as valuable natural assets to be responsibly managed for the future.