Conulariid research
Beautifully-preserved example of the conulariid Conularia breviconventa from the Wenlock of Dudley, Worcestershire, England
Project summary
Focus: Conulariid taxonomy and palaeobiology
We are undertaking research into various aspects of conulariid taxonomy and palaeobiology, including the microstructure of the shell and developmental loss of symmetry.
This research highlights the scientific value of our conulariid collection, which is the second largest in the world and unrivalled in terms of diversity and geographical spread.
Conulariids are an extinct group of jellyfish with pyramidal skeletons of calcium phosphate that are locally abundant in Palaeozoic sediments.
Museum researchers
Origins, evolution and futures
We study the Earth's origins and environment, and the evolution of life.
Invertebrate and plant palaeobiology research
We are investigating the origins and evolution of these diverse fossil groups.
Palaeontology collections
The geographic, stratigraphic and historical coverage of fossils in the collection make it globally important.