Ediacaran Biota Diorama

This diorama of the Ediacara biota was made in 1980 by Terry Chase Studios and was on display at the Smithsonian for many years before coming to the [Paleontological Research Institution](http://www.priweb.org) in Ithaca, NY. A huge amount has been learned about these amazing fossils since then, and many of these interpretations have changed. This diorama was constructed at a time when many paleontologists interpreted most or all of the Ediacaran fossils as representing modern groups of organisms. Further research, however, has revealed that this is no longer a supportable view for many of these organisms. Some were likely related to living groups, while others probably have no living descendants or close relatives. Furthermore, the mode of life of a number of the Ediacara organisms, whatever they are related to, has been reinterpreted. Learn more about this diorama at https://www.priweb.org/blog-post/vanished-worlds. Model created by Emily Hauf.