
The emergence and diversification of complex life is the most fundamental biological transition in the history of the Earth. I use fossils to chart the evolution of eukaryotes (those organisms with a membrane-bound cell nucleus), multicellularity, cellular differentiation, and animals, through the Proterozoic Eon (2.5–0.5 billion years ago). Understanding how changing fossil diversity correlates to environmental changes—and the Proterozoic Eon sees some of the largest in Earth history—is vital to determining evolutionary drivers. Not only do I seek new fossils that provide this important palaeobiological information, I critically interrogate the nature of the fossil record. Before the terminal Proterozoic advent of biomineralisation, fossilisation is confined to poorly understood and unusual circumstances that preserve organic remains. I use novel analytical techniques on fossiliferous strata to understand the conditions conducive to preservation. Such research is crucial to our ability to robustly interpret the temporal and ecological range of fossil organisms. It can also provide new insights into their original chemistry and biology.
- Doctorate in Geology and Geophysics, Yale University (2017)
- Masters in Geology and Geophysics, Yale University (2014)
- Undergraduate in Earth and Planetary Sciences, Harvard University (2012)
- Fossil evidence for the evolution of complex life
- Geobiology, Palaeobiology, Palaeontology, Taphonomy
- Anderson, R.P., Tosca, N.J., Saupe, E.E., Wade, J., Briggs D.E.G., 2021. Early formation and taphonomic significance of kaolinite associated with Burgess Shale fossils. Geology 49 (4), 355–359. (Link)
- Anderson, R.P., Tosca, N.J, Cinque, G., Frogley, M.D., Lekkas, I., Akey, A., Hughes, G.M., Bergmann, K.D., Knoll, A.H., Briggs, D.E.G., 2020. Aluminosilicate haloes preserve complex life approximately 800 million years ago. Interface Focus 10, 20200011. (Link)
- Anderson, R.P., Tosca, N.J., Gaines, R.R., Mongiardino Koch, N., Briggs, D.E.G., 2018. A mineralogical signature for Burgess Shale-type fossilization. Geology 46 (4), 347–350. (Link)
- Anderson, R.P., Macdonald, F.A., Jones, D.S., McMahon, S., Briggs, D.E.G., 2017. Doushantuo-type microfossils from latest Ediacaran phosphorites of northern Mongolia. Geology 45 (12), 1079–1082. (Link)
- McCoy, V.E., Saupe, E.E., Lamsdell, J.C., Tarhan, L.G., McMahon, S., Lidgard, S., Mayer, P., Whalen, C.D., Soriano, C., Finney, L., Vogt, S., Clark, E.G., Anderson, R.P., Petermann, H., Locatelli, E.R., Briggs, D.E.G., 2016. The ‘Tully Monster’ is a vertebrate. Nature 532, 496–499. (Link)
- McMahon, S., Anderson, R.P., Saupe, E.E., Briggs, D.E.G., 2016. Experimental evidence that clay inhibits bacterial decomposers: Implications for preservation of organic fossils. Geology 44 (10), 867–870. (Link)
- Anderson, R.P., McCoy, V.E., McNamara, M.E., Briggs, D.E.G., 2014. What big eyes you have: The ecological role of giant pterygotid eurypterids. Biology Letters 10, 20140412. (Link)
- Publications (External Link)
- Geological Society of America
- Geological Society of London (Fellow)
- Palaeontological Association
- Paleontological Society
- Best Lectures in Earth Sciences, University of Oxford (2019, 2020).
- George G. Simpson Prize, Yale University (2020).
- President’s Prize, Palaeontological Association (2017).
- Philip M. Orville Prize, Yale University (2017).
- Geobiology and Geomicrobiology Student Award, Geological Society of America (2016).
- Excellence in Teaching Prize, Yale University (2016).
- MAPS Outstanding Student Research Award, Paleontological Society (2016).
- Hammer Prize, Yale University (2014).
- Robert D. Hatcher, Geophysics, and Structural Geology and Tectonics Research Awards, Geological Society of America (2014).
- Fermor Prize, Geological Society of London (2012).
- Bateman Award, Yale University (2012).
- Thomas T. Hoopes Prize, Harvard University (2012).
- Fellowships: NASA Earth and Space Science Fellowship (from 2014 to 2017), Yale Edwin Binney Fellowship (from 2012 to 2015), Harvard Origins of Life Initiative Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (2011).
- Research grants from: John Fell OUP Fund (2019), Royal Society (2018), Diamond Light Source (2017, 2018), Paleontological Society (2016), Geological Society of America (2016), Geological Society of London (2012, 2016), Yale Institute for Biospheric Studies (2014, 2015), American Philosophical Society/NASA (2014), ExxonMobil/Geological Society of America (2014).