Reviewed by Muhammad Awais (University of Swabi)

The following volumes are available to Paleontological Society members in exchange for writing a review in Priscum.

Reviewed by Ashley Nicole Prow-Fleischer (Stanford University and Syracuse University)

Reviewed by Andy Flick (Vanderbilt University)

Reviewed by Denise Treadway (Peytona, West Virginia)

Reviewed by Ephraim Nissan (London, England)

Congratulations to our 2025 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. Submit your nominations for 2026 PS Fellows by Feb. 28! https://www.paleosoc.org/fellows-of-the-paleontological-society

Books available for review announcement - November 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 at https://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])

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.

Celebrating 50 years of Paleobiology: revolutionary ideas on evolution 

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.

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.

GSA sessions endorsed by PS are linked here, and times will come out soon!

A letter to the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, regarding the critical need for further paleontological resource assessment at BLM’s “Community Pit #1” near Las Cruces, New Mexico.

PS NAPC D&I and Student Travel Grants

The Paleontological Society recognizes the importance of educational and research practices that foster diversity and inclusion. We value the contribution of diverse opinions, strategies, and experiences at the North American Paleontological Convention (NAPC) as they are an integral part to the advancement of our field. However, many of our colleagues who work extensively on inclusive educational and research practices might not qualify for research-based funding for conference travel from their home institutions. In addition, colleagues from groups underrepresented in paleontology, in a career transition (between undergrad and grad, grad to post-doc, post-doc to position), or in adjunct, teaching, museum, or part-time positions are often the most vulnerable and most likely to leave paleontology and science. It is crucial that we ensure that these members, in addition to students, are able to attend and participate in our meetings as well as network with community members who can provide the support and mentorship that is needed in these critical transitions or positions.

The Paleontological Society is soliciting applications for a Student Representative to Council. 

Eligibility: We encourage nominations from paleontology graduate students who are early-mid stage in their graduate programs from all backgrounds and institutions, particularly those that have historically been under-represented on the Paleontological Society Council.
 
The Role: Student Representatives serve as voices for student needs in the Society and play leading roles in student activities including organizing student events at the Geological Society of America Conference. Student Representatives are further encouraged to develop and lead new student initiatives. In this role, students gain knowledge of the inner-workings of an international organization and experience in professional service.
 
The selected Student Representative (who will start their role in the fall) will join current Student Representative Carmi Milagros Thompson and serve a two-year term (Fall 2024–Fall 2026). Student Representatives attend two virtual Council meetings per year (one during fall near the time of the Geological Society of America Conference and the other during spring). 
 
Application Instructions and Requirements:

Reviewed by Andrej Spiridonov (Vilnius University, Lithuania)