Professor digs up Wet Tropics old skeletons

Cairns is invited to discuss palaeontology over pale ales with two highly regarded Australian scientists.

A famed Australian palaeontologist and a leading terrestrial ecologist will come together to share stories about Australia’s most famous fossil site as part of Wet Tropics Management Authority’s ‘Science at the Pub’ series.

Notable Professor Mike Archer and James Cook University’s Deputy Vice Chancellor, Professor Iain Gordon will both feature on the night and provide a light hearted and entertaining look at the region’s dynamic and diverse environment.

The Authority’s Executive Director Scott Buchanan says Prof Mike Archer and JCU’s Prof Iain Gordon will dig into the rich past of two World Heritage sites - Riversleigh and the Wet Tropics World Heritage Areas.

"Many of the fossils found at Riversleigh are the ancient relatives of the wildlife we see in the Wet Tropics today," Mr Buchanan says.

"The Professors have an amazing story to share - spanning millions of years - which will give people an insight into just how special our World Heritage listed areas really are."

Some of Riversleigh’s fossils date as far back as 25 million years ago and include ancestors of the now extinct Tasmanian tiger.

Professor Archer has been exploring Riversleigh for more than three decades, and serves as a member of the Riversleigh Community and Scientific Advisory Committee.

"There will no doubt be some fascinating discussions about the Professor’s past experiences," Mr Buchanan says.

"To get the chance to touch on these topics is sure to engage the audience."

Prof. Gordon, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Tropical Environments and Societies JCU, says the audience will embark on a journey deep into the past before glancing briefly into the future.

"I’m looking forward to sharing the history of two great World Heritage listed areas that have much in common," Prof Gordon says.

Science at the Pub will be held on Monday, March 13 at the Cape York Hotel in Cairns. The event starts at 6.30pm.

The event will give people the chance to ask questions of top scientists about the region’s dynamic and diverse environment in a relaxed setting.

To register to attend the event click here.

Published: 28th Feb 2017