Did early eukaryotes really radiate in the Tonian?

Since the 1980s Precambrian palaeontologists believed that early eukaryotes (Domain: Eukarya, microorganisms with a membrane bound nucleus) underwent a dramatic diversification in the Tonian Period (1000-720Ma). This period is often associated with the rise of complex life, a key step towards the evolution of animals, and the modern marine ecosystem. Long have palaeontologists looked to the microfossil record of ancient shales and cherts to elucidate the tempo of eukaryotic evolution, all centring on the view that eukaryotes originated early in the Proterozoic Eon (~2.5 billion years ago) but remained ‘stable’ for a billion years before rising to dominance. These special types of rocks preserve the earliest evidence of ecologically important clades like those of algae and fungi, but also complex traits like sexual reproduction, and multicellularity. The Tonian is thought to be a foundational period in the history of life.

Reviewed by Ephraim Nissan (London, England)

Help Keep PRI Strong!!                                                                          

Reviewed by James O. Farlow (Purdue University Fort Wayne)

Celebrating 50 years of Paleobiology: revolutionary ideas on evolution 

Reviewed by Carlton E. Brett (University of Cincinnati)

This Is No Time to Sit on the Sidelines

Paleontological research in the United States is funded by the Division of Earth Sciences under the auspices of the Geosciences Directorate, which has been supporting our community’s efforts since its inception in 1950, exactly 230 days before I arrived on the planet. It’s not a century ago, but getting closer to that centennial mark as I write this. Over those years, I’ve been both a recipient of grant funds to support mine and my student’s research efforts, and have had the privilege to serve the agency in a few capacities. I have witnessed the times when funding was stable, but never at support levels near equivalent to other directorates. I can attest to those times when budgets were cut and, subsequently, restored to levels that were lower than previously allocated without any adjustment for the intervening inflation. I have endured the years when the program was over mortgaged and few funds were available for new awards. I have lived through years during which agency priorities were realigned, older programs phased out or terminated, and “transformative” research agendas advanced. I know the times when GEO/EAR was close to being placed on life support. All of those former times pale in contrast to the current attack on science, science funding, and the legitimacy of our discipline as one in the national interest. This is no time to sit on the sidelines.

Reviewed by Casey Burns (California Academy of Sciences)

Books available for review announcement - May update!

The following volumes are available to Paleontological Society members in exchange for writing a review in Priscum. Reviews should be informative, engaging, and 400–800 words long. The tone can be informal and casual, appropriate to recommending a book to colleagues. Reviews are expected to be returned within six months after receipt. Past book reviews can be found in past issues of Priscum athttps://www.paleosoc.org/priscum-newsletter and https://www.paleosoc.org/blog. Reviewers must be a current member of the Paleontological Society before beginning review. If you are interested in reviewing one of these texts, please contact Book Reviews Editor Phil Novack-Gottshall ([email protected])

Reviewed by David J. Bottjer (University of Southern California)

Reviewed by Kat Jordan-Burmeister (University of Tennessee-Knoxville)

Reviewed by Allison W. Bronson (California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt)

Reviewed by Marcello Perillo (University of Bonn)

Reviewed by Jennifer A. Brennan (George Washington University)

 

Congratulations to our 2024 Paleontological Society Fellows!

Fellows are members of the Paleontological Society who have made far-reaching contributions to paleontology through research, teaching, or service to the profession.

Reviewed by Blandine Hautier (Independent fossil preparator; Bonn, Germany)

Reviewed by David R. Cordie (Edgewood College)

Call for proposals: Early Career Researchers

Announcing the PaleoSoc Art Competition Winner!!!

The Paleontological Society held an art competition this year for designs that capture the spirit of the Paleontological Society.

Reviewed by Ephraim Nissan (London, England)