Dr Charlotte Kenchington

My current research focuses on the ecology and diversity of the first large, complex macro-organisms – the Ediacaran Biota – which are though to include fossils of some of the earliest animals. My field areas include southern Namibia, central England, and Newfoundland (Canada). My work focuses on developing a multidisciplinary approach that combines palaeoenvironmental, biological and ecological analysis to answer critical questions on the evolution of life. The emergence
of animal life is one of the most important and fundamental changes to have occurred during earth history. My primary interests lie in establishing the palaeoenvironmental and palaeoecological context of this biological revolution, and investigating the interplay between early complex life and its habitat. Ultimately, this will help us understand better the biological and abiological processes that shaped the evolution of our animal ancestors and paved the way for modern ecosystems.