{"id":482212,"date":"2026-02-15T20:07:16","date_gmt":"2026-02-15T20:07:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/482212\/"},"modified":"2026-02-15T20:07:16","modified_gmt":"2026-02-15T20:07:16","slug":"stamped-in-time-une-research-features-in-new-australia-post-stamp-collection","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/482212\/","title":{"rendered":"Stamped in time: UNE research features in new Australia Post stamp collection"},"content":{"rendered":"

NEARLY two decades of UNE research into a deposit of ancient fossils found at Emu Bay on South Australia\u2019s Kangaroo Island has become the subject of a new limited edition stamp collection released by Australia Post.<\/p>\n

Featuring full colour artistic reconstructions of the fossils, the stamps paint a clear picture of the spectacular diversity of marine animals found at the site.<\/p>\n

UNE palaeontologist Professor John Paterson, said the amazing artworks are the culmination of nearly 20 years of intensive scientific research on one of Australia\u2019s most important fossil sites.<\/p>\n

Prof Paterson co-led the research alongside colleagues from the South Australian Museum and Adelaide University.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe artist, Peter Trusler, has done a superb job of bringing these amazing extinct sea creatures back to life,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Research into a deposit of ancient fossils found at Emu Bay on South Australia\u2019s Kangaroo Island has become the subject of a new limited edition stamp collection released by Australia Post.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe was very interested to learn every aspect of the anatomy and possible lifestyles of these unusual beasts.\u201d<\/p>\n

The 512-million-year-old fossils found at the Emu Bay Shale site provide a unique window into Australia\u2019s ancient past.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese fossils are from a time called the Cambrian Period, which was a phase in Earth\u2019s history when complex life first evolved in the oceans,\u201d Prof Paterson said.<\/p>\n

A highlight of the stamp series is the depiction of a giant arthropod called anomalocaris daleyae.<\/p>\n

This bizarre animal was the apex predator of the time, reaching lengths of up to 60 cm and armed with large spiny head appendages used for grabbing its prey.<\/p>\n

Perhaps the most impressive feature of anomalocaris daleyae is its pair of stalked eyes that possess over 24,000 lenses in each eye, rivalling that of modern dragonflies.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese sophisticated eyes gave Anomalocaris extremely powerful vision for seeking out its prey,\u201d Prof Paterson said.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Australia Post\u2019s new limited edition stamp, designed around research into a deposit of ancient fossils found at Emu Bay on South Australia\u2019s Kangaroo Island.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe discovery of exquisitely preserved specimens from the Emu Bay Shale shows that some of the first marine animals were already well-equipped killers.\u201d<\/p>\n

Professor Paterson says the new stamps are a great way to emphasise the critical role that these remarkable discoveries have made in telling us about our distant past.<\/p>\n

\u201cI hope these stamps will highlight the importance of these ancient animals and inform the general public on the global significance of Australia\u2019s spectacular palaeontological heritage,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis milestone reflects UNE\u2019s commitment to advancing palaeontological research and sharing Australia\u2019s natural heritage with the world.\u201d<\/p>\n

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