The Karoo: The Cradle of Mammals

Prof. Bruce Rubidge

It is impossible to write a text on the history of life without referring to the South African fossil record, widely known for its wealth of gems. The rocks of the Karoo Supergroup, covering two-thirds of the country's surface area, take up the lion's share of that reputation. Research has revealed a new therapsid fauna showing that South Africa—the Karoo in particular—hosts the most time-expansive and complete record of early mammal ancestry. Bruce argues that this makes the Karoo Basin the Cradle of Mammals and, ultimately, humans. Bruce focuses on the Karoo fossil record and its significance in understanding the origin of mammals.

—

Bruce Rubidge is a Professor at the Evolutionary Studies Institute. His research focuses on the Karoo fossil record: its significance in understanding the origin of mammals, its applications in stratigraphy, Pangaean biogeography, and basin development studies. After completing his studies at Stellenbosch University, he headed various institutions until 2013, when he was appointed Director of NRF Centre of Excellence for Palaeosciences at the University of the Witwatersrand.

Web: graaffreinet.co.za