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Burgess Shale Fossils on topic for GSC Presentation
Wed Nov 4, 2015


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  November 4, 2015

For More Information:
Glenville State College
Public Relations Department
(304) 462-4115

GLENVILLE, WV - Glenville State College Associate Professor of Biology Dr. Sara Sawyer will give a presentation entitled ' The Canadian Rockies: A Trek to the Burgess Shale' on Tuesday, November 10 at 5:30 p.m. in room 107 of the Science Hall.

The Burges Shale is an assemblage of animal fossils found in the Canadian Rockies. The fossils are from the Cambrian period, are approximately 505 million years old, and give information about the early evolution and diversification of animals. The fossils were discovered in 1909 by Charles Walcott and are considered by many to be the most important animal fossils ever discovered. The Burgess Shale was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981 and Yoho National Park was formed in 1986 to protect those fossils. The fossil bed can only be seen with an approved park guide after a strenuous hike. This fossil bed is still revealing answers on issues related to the evolution of animals. This seminar will introduce people to the fossils of the Burgess Shale and what we are learning from them.

Dr. Sara Sawyer"I've always had an interest in the early evolution of animals, even though it's not my research area. I chose to visit the Canadian Rockies (Banff, Jasper, and Yoho National Parks) last summer in part to go to this fossil bed and also to see glaciers. The last couple summers I've tried to do one big trip and this was my trip last summer," said Sawyer. She goes on to say that she'll share what has been learned about those fossils and what the current research says about early animal evolution with attendees of the presentation. There will also be some information about visiting the park in general and other interesting things to do in the park.

The presentation is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served at 5:00 p.m. The Glenville State College Department of Science and Mathematics and the student science and math honor society Chi Beta Phi are co-sponsoring the event.

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