Ancestors of Mammals in The Karoo, South Africa
| Goal |
Search for and excavate Permian and Devonian fossils in the Karoo
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|---|---|
| Task |
Search and excavation of fossils
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| Where | |
| Description |
You may arrange for this dig on a custom basis from July-October, 2027 Read moreThis project includes work with world-famous paleontologists in the Karoo of South Africa to explore and excavate the fossilized remains of 420 million year old ancient fish and early four-legged tetrapods from the Devonian. We’ll also get hands-on with the fossils for which the Karoo is best known: mammal-like reptiles called therapsids, which are reptiles that show features of mammals and represent a transitional stage between reptiles and mammals. The Karoo in South Africa is one of the most important fossil locales in the world. Over 200 million years ago, South Africa formed part of the southern outreaches of Pangaea, and the Karoo contains a largely unbroken record of prehistoric life, extending from the Permian to the Jurassic period. The fossils in the Karoo rocks include the ancestors of lizards and snakes, tortoises, and crocodiles and dinosaurs. |
| How to get started |
Please read about the Ancestors of Mammals itinerary and choose your custom itinerary |
| Social Media | |
| Total expense | $0.00 |
| Ideal Age Group | Seniors, College, Adults, Graduate students |
| Spend the time | Outdoors |
| Topics | Geology & Earth Science, Biology, History, Archeology & Culture |
| Tags | fossils, excavation, paleontology, fieldwork, south africa |
| Website | Ancestors of Mammals in The Karoo, South Africa |
| Project Entry Updated | Mon Nov 2 21:29:21 2026 +0000 |
