New Riversleigh: Bridging chasms in the Neogene of Australia

这个项目的目的是调查澳大利亚动物在中新世晚期的进化，1000万到500万年前。研究小组在里弗斯利世界遗产区以西发现了一个比里弗斯利世界遗产区更大的偏远化石场，这为澳大利亚的过去打开了一扇窗户，将澳大利亚古老的郁郁葱葱的雨林社区与更干燥、更现代的栖息地联系起来。放射性测年表明，这一广大地区的沉积物年龄为中新世晚期。这个项目将揭示澳大利亚的野生动物如何应对世界上最大的气候变化之一，并帮助更好地预测确保其未来生存所需的条件。其好处包括加强对长期生物群/气候相互作用的了解，以及对澳大利亚独特的、具有国际意义的古生物文物的重要补充。

This project aims to investigate the evolution of Australia’s animals in the late Miocene, 10 - 5 million years ago. The team’s discovery of a remote fossil field west of and larger than the Riversleigh World Heritage Area opens a window into Australia’s past, linking those of Australia's older lush rainforest communities to those of its drier, more modern habitats. Radiometric dates indicate that sediments in this vast area are late Miocene in age. This project will reveal how Australia’s wildlife responded to one of the world’s biggest climate changes and help better anticipate what will be required to ensure its survival into the future. Benefits include enhanced understanding about long-term biota/climate interactions and significant additions to Australia’s unique, internationally significant palaeontological artefacts.