Project: Reconstructing a 500-Million-Year-Old Fossil Reef

16 June – 25 July (six weeks), supervised by Frankie Dunn

Project summary

Archaeocyaths are a diverse, extinct group of sponges that formed some of the oldest complex animal reef systems in tropical and subtropical environments. They lived during the Cambrian Period, a little over half a billion years ago and despite diversifying rapidly into myriad forms, they were short-lived, having more or less disappeared from the fossil record only ~15 million years after their first appearance (compare that to modern reef-forming corals which stretch back some ~250 million years). The student with use x-ray computed tomography to peer into these ancient reef systems for the first time, reconstructing the archaeocyaths and any animals they find living within the reef systems.

Project details

In order to accomplish this, the student will:

Work with micro and synchrotron computed tomography to reconstruct archaeocyath reefs in three-dimensions for the first time. Historically, archaeocyaths were studied by taking a photograph of the rock surface, grinding the surface down a little, taking another photograph and so on. While this technique – serial grinding – has provided lots of information about archaeocyaths, it is also likely to have missed crucial three-dimensional information about the finest details of these sponges as well as any other animals dwelling within these reefs. During this summer placement, the student will reconstruct archaeocyath reef systems using non-destructive CT data for the first time, revealing new information about some of the oldest reefs on Earth. This project is computational, so applicants must be happy to spend significant time working at a computer.

Full training will be provided so that the student can work with tomographic data and interpret fossil specimens.

Selection criteria

Essential

An interest in natural history and palaeontology
Organised and self-motivated
Excellent attention to detail
Ability to concentrate on tasks with repetitive elements for extended periods

Desirable

Working knowledge of different animal groups and an interest in learning more

Outcomes for students

The student will produce a new model of archaeocyath reefs which we will 3D print. The student will also be a co-author on any scientific publications arising from the project. Finally, the student will gain experience working with fossil material and museum specimens.

Reasonable adjustments

The museum is committed to making reasonable adjustments to its summer placements to make sure that students with disabilities or health conditions are not substantially disadvantaged. If you are concerned about meeting the selection criteria for a project of interest, or completing relevant tasks, please get in touch with Hannah Betts before submitting your application to discuss possible adjustments to the project: summerplacements@oum.ox.ac.uk.