The Rise of Fishes: A Comprehensive Analysis of Fossil Evidence for the Origin and Early Evolution of Vertebrates

The origin and early evolution of vertebrates — fishes and their descendants — represents a poorly understood phase in the deep-time ancestry of the human lineage. A series of transitions occurred between 500 and 400 million years ago from a worm-like ancestor to a bony predatory
fish with a jaw. Using Europe’s largest fossil collections at Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle, I plan to reveal these elusive transitions. First, I will test two hypotheses: a) vertebrae (backbones) were acquired and then lost in primitive fishes; and b) a jaw joint evolved from a blood sinus. Then I will test alternatives to the current vertebrate classification: the presence of previously unknown radiation of poorly skeletonized fishes and the hypothetical interpretation of jawed vertebrates as highly modified members of spatula-like looking armored fishes (osteostracans). This project will provide key insights to answer why the fossil record of vertebrates contradict a simple and direct progression from primitive to advanced.

Faculty Supervisor:

Richard Palmer

Student:

Partner:

Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle

Discipline:

Earth science

Sector:

University:

University of Alberta

Program:

Globalink Research Award