Explore the fascinating world of Late Cretaceous fossil fish in Alberta through this informative lecture by Dr. Don Brinkman, Curator Emeritus at the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology. Delve into the challenges of identifying isolated fossil fish elements and discover how cutting-edge technology, such as micro CT scanners, is revolutionizing our understanding of teleost fish history. Learn about the importance of microfossils in paleontological research and gain insights into the diversity of ancient freshwater communities. Examine the phylogenetic relationships of early fish groups, including catfish, cyprinids, and suckers, and understand their geographical distribution 66 million years ago. Uncover the methods used in bulk sampling, fossil identification, and the significance of vertebrae in paleontological studies. Investigate specific fossil fish genera such as Goldinote, Gnaeus, Diplomestace, Prisca, and Kara, and explore their roles in reconstructing ancient ecosystems. Gain knowledge about the collaborative nature of paleontological research and the exciting future prospects in the field of fossil fish studies.
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