Early evolution of the kangaroos (Marsupialia: Macropodiformes) from the Riversleigh World Heritage Area: phylogeny, palaeoecology, diversification and extinction
Duration:
January 2014–January 2018
Research aims to understand more about the extinct kangaroos from the Riversleigh World Heritage Area in north-western Queensland, a locality that contains numerous fossil deposits spanning approximately 25 to three million years. Kaylene seeks to determine potential drivers of the extinction of a family of fanged kangaroos known as balbarids. By 13.5 million years ago the fanged kangaroos became extinct while the ancestors of modern kangaroos (macropodids) continued to diversify. Kaylene's research involves describing new species of kangaroo from Riversleigh and analysing trends in the ecology of these extinct kangaroos.
Advisors: Dr Gilbert Price, Dr Kenny Travouillon
