Farish Alston Jenkins

Anatomist, zoologist and vertebrate paleontologist best known for research on major transitions in vertebrate evolution and the functional morphology of important adaptations of diverse vertebrates, encompassing the development of skelatal features of mammals from mammal-like reptiles, the interrelationship between mammalian locomotion and respiration, and recently, the transformation of limbs from fins during the evolution of the tetrapod body plan. With colleagues, discovered the transitional amphibious form between fishes and terrestrial vertebrates, Tiktaalik roseae, identifying a previously unknown link in vertebrate evolution; acquired the first x-ray movies of birds in flight; and documented early stages in evolution of several groups of modern amphibians. Research combines paleontological expeditions directed at discovering previously unknown fossil stages in vertebrate evolution with laboratory analyses of locomotion and musculoskeletal function in living animals. Major field projects have ranged across Mesozoic and Paleozoic formations from Arizona to the Arctic, opening up previously unexplored areas for fossil discovery. Selected works include publications in Nature and Science. Recipient of the Romer-Simpson Medal, the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology's highest honor.