A leading scientist from the University has been recognised for her work on developing understanding of one of the most crucial stages of evolution.

Professor Jennifer A Clack has been awarded the Daniel Giraud Eliot Medal by the National Academy of Sciences for her work studying the transitional period of evolution where creatures moved from water to land.

Professor Clack is Curator of Vertebrate Palaeontology at the University's Department of Zoology. Her work looks at the evolution of tetrapods, vertebrate creatures with four limbs which developed from fish.

The first tetrapods evolved from fish around 370 million years ago. Over many millions of years they developed in to a wide range of life including birds, reptiles and eventually mammals and human beings.

By studying fossils Professor Clack has been able to pinpoint many stages of the evolutionary process including the development of lungs, limbs and other anatomical changes necessary for life on land.

The Professor has published numerous papers detailing her research findings. She has also written a book ‘Gaining Ground: the origin and evolution of tetrapods', which defines what teatrapods are and how they are related to other vertebrates.

Professor Clack first came to the University in 1981 as Assistant Curator in the University Museum of Zoology. Completing her PhD in 1984 she has stayed on at the University and has curatorial responsibilities at the Museum where she is Acting Director as well as teaching, administration and research roles.

The National Academy of Sciences is a society of distinguished scholars involved in scientific and engineering research. The Daniel Giraud Eliot Medal was established by Margaret Henderson Eliot and has been awarded since 1917.

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