Inaugural Lecture: The Rise of Dinosaurs

The College of Life and Environmental Sciences is delighted to present the inaugural lecture of Richard Butler, Professor of Palaeobiology. 

Dinosaurs are the most familiar of all extinct animals, but how, when and why did they rise to dominate the world of the Mesozoic? Discoveries of new fossils from far-flung corners of the world, restudy of forgotten museum collections, and new ways of studying old bones are together providing fresh insights into dinosaur origins. Professor Butler will explore how the slow ascendancy of dinosaurs to dominance was shaped by two devastating mass extinction events, climatic changes, and unique biological adaptations. 

About Professor Richard Butler

Richard is a vertebrate palaeontologist with expertise in the systematics, evolution and biogeography of late Palaeozoic to Mesozoic reptiles. His current research programme aims to establish major patterns and drivers of terrestrial biodiversity change, as exemplified by four-limbed vertebrates (tetrapods), over the last 375 million years. He is also interested in the origin and dramatic evolutionary radiation of dinosaurs and closely related fossil groups in the aftermath of the Permo-Triassic mass extinction, the largest extinction event in the history of life on Earth.

This event will be followed by a drinks reception in the Lapworth Museum of Geology. 

Please note: this event is now fully booked.