Palaeo After Dark

The gang discusses two papers that provide nuanced information to test when key innovations in vertebrate evolution occurred. The first paper looks at unique semi-terrestrial trace fossils in the early Devonian in order to determine the trace maker, and the second paper looks at fossils that could provide information about the origins of teeth. Meanwhile, Curt has theme park ambitions, James provides Amanda with new anxieties, and Amanda leaves it all to chance.   Up-Goer Five (James Edition): The group talk about two papers that are looking at the earliest time things have been seen in the rocks. The first paper looks at some tracks in the rock left by animals with no legs that live in the water but can gasp air. We have looked at tracks from the same place before where the animals stuck their faces into the ground. The new tracks come in two forms. The first is where the animal took a rest and its bits that it uses to move in the water stuck in the ground. The other track is where it had to come out of th