Cretaceous Polar Life - Science Festival

Explore the fascinating world of polar ecosystems from over 100 million years ago in this 59-minute lecture from the University of Melbourne's Science Festival 2021. Discover the types of forests and animals, including dinosaurs, that inhabited Victoria during the Cretaceous period. Learn about the Rift Valley, plant fossils, and the diverse fauna of the time. Delve into the environmental conditions, research methods, and evidence used to reconstruct these ancient ecosystems. Examine primitive fruits, ginkgo trees, and the effects of anoxia. Investigate temperature changes, carbon dioxide levels, and the emergence of ants. Gain insights into Australian fauna, rapid transitions in ecosystems, and the use of histology in paleontological research. Uncover the mysteries of ancient marsupials and the evolution of pine trees in this comprehensive journey through Cretaceous polar life.