Precambrian and lower paleozoic paleontology and stratigraphy

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 This long-term project comprises the search for, collection, preparation, identification, classification, description, illustration, and interpretation of fossils and possible fossils from the early part of Earth history, referred to as the Precambrian. Its purpose is to contribute to the knowledge about life that existed during the period encompassing the earliest 88% of geologic time, to establish the biological affinities and past environmental conditions for these ancient life forms, and to determine the succession of evolutionary changes that can be used in reconstructing the geography of the distant past. The approach is broadly based, using all types of fossils available (microscopic fossils, large fossils, and structures produced by biological activity, such as animal traces and laminated structures built by microbes). Although Canada has extensive sequences of the old rocks, few Canadians are actively studying their fossil content. Recent discoveries in these older terrains are encouraging, providing evidence for more advanced life forms. Our 1999 discovery of Canada's oldest animals with shells in the Rocky Mountains west of Jasper will be the focus of special attention to help us gain further insight into when and why organisms first developed this innovative structure. Ediacaran fossils discovered by geologists mapping the Bonavista Peninsula for the Newfoundland Geological Survey in 2003 are similar to the well known Ediacaran Mistaken Point biota on the Avalon Peninsula, and their study, which has just begun, will considerably enhance our knowledge of Neoproterozoic megascopic life.