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Sumrall to discuss paleozoic seas and ancient creatures February 3

Colin Sumrall, assistant professor in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, will present “Hitching Rides in Paleozoic Seas – Ancient Creatures and Their Shellfish Taxis” Friday, February 3.

Edrioasteroids, an extinct group of echinoderms (sea stars, sea urchins, and related organisms) have been studied for nearly two centuries. However, details of their ecology are only now emerging. New data suggest that they required hard substrates, such as shells or pebbles, for attachment, and they strongly competed for space when appropriate attachment surfaces were at a premium. Unexpectedly, new evidence shows that edrioasteroids often attached to the shells of live organisms and some species are only known from mutualistic relationships.  In his talk, Sumrall will share this new evidence and discuss the advantages to edrioasteroids.

The UT Science Forum takes place Friday, February 3 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. in the Thompson-Boling Arena Cafe (located at 1600 Phillip Fulmer Way), Rooms C-D.

Guests are encouraged to bring their lunch or purchase it from the arena. Each presentation is followed by a Q&A. The event is free and open to the public.

Additionally, this year, we have temporary parking passes available for our guests who do not have UT parking passes. An RSVP is required for the pass. Please email Amanda Womac for more details.