UC EVENTS

Reduced precipitation in the Miocene triggered the geographic contraction of rainforest ecosystems around the world. In Australia, mesic rainforest ecosystems that dominated the landscape underwent aridification and became the iconic shrublands, grasslands and deserts of today. In this seminar, I will report on an as yet undescribed Miocene fossil site from New South Wales, Australia. This new Konservatlagerstätte hosts a rich assortment of microfossils, plants, insects, spiders, fish and bird feathers, all preserved in goethite. Most specimen show sub-micrometer structural details, e.g., melanosomes in feathers or in the retina of and skin of the fish, internal organs in insects and spiders, or stomata in plants. Several species interactions have been observed including predation, parasitism and pollination. The fossils are indicative of an oxbow lake in a rainforest that was surrounded by a drier environment. The wide variety of fossils and their extraordinary preservation allows for unprecedented insights into a changing environment. 

About Michael

Michael Frese is a trained virologist interested in virus replication and host innate immune defences; his current virological research focuses on caliciviruses and how to control Australia's rabbit problem. In addition, Michael works with honey bees, occasionally conducts systematic reviews and meta-analyses (e.g., on the effect of fructose consumption) and engages in palaeontological research.