RALI 2015
An International Conference on the
Rise of Animal Life
Cambrian and Ordovician biodiversification events
Promoting geological heritage:
challenges and issues
More than
500 million years ago, the emergence of animals marked a turning point in the
evolution of life on Earth that gave rise to present-day biodiversity and
ecosystems. This international conference will focus on this crucial event,
especially its timing, and possible processes and causes with special
emphasis on the relationships between the «Cambrian Explosion» and the
subsequent «Great Ordovician Biodiversification Event».
 A special
symposium dedicated to aspects of Geological Heritage will be held in
conjunction with the conference and will highlight associated educational,
cultural and socio-economic issues.
The
conference will be held in the captivating City of Marrakech, which offers an
ideal setting for this scientific gathering. Founded at the beginning of the
11th century by the Almoravids, the «Red City» boasts an exceptional
cultural heritage, beautiful palm gardens and is set against the
beautiful backdrop of the snow capped high peaks of the Atlas Mountains.
A
post-conference fieldtrip offers participants the exciting opportunity to
visit fossil locaties near Zagora where the Ordovician Fezouata exceptional
biota is currently being studied by international scientists.
|
