A Fascination with Fossils
Simon Braddy, now retired and living in Manorbier, was born in Hampshire and attended school there. Fascinated by the local fossils he developed an interest in dinosaurs, and Sir David Attenborough’s Life on Earth TV series was instrumental in shaping his early interest in fossils.
In 1991 Simon gained a degree in geology from Cardiff University. Here he developed an interest in fossil invertebrates, particularly arthropods. Simon then continued his studies at the University of Manchester and received his PhD in 1996.
His research was concerned with eurypterids (“sea scorpions”), particularly their reproduction, respiration and locomotion. This work demonstrated that eurypterids were much more scorpion-like, in terms of their palaeobiology, supporting a closer evolutionary relationship between them. Their palaeobiology and the distribution of juveniles and trace fossils, supports a ‘mass-moult-mate’ hypothesis, which proposes that eurypterids congregated en masse in marginal environments to spawn, like modern horseshoe crabs. Computer modelling and track analysis revealed that eurypterids were not well adapted for walking on land, generally using a swimming stroke.
Simon’s postdoctoral research (1997-2000) at Bristol University focused on the invasion of the land, particularly the role that trace fossils play in interpreting the colonisation of the land.
Eurypterid, or sea scorpion
Simon then worked as a lecturer at Bristol University. He has advised on or appeared in various TV and radio programmes relating to his research including Battle for the Planet (Discovery/Channel 5), Shape of Life (National Geographic TV), Prehistoric Park (ITV), Raising the Sea Dragon, Walking with Monsters, Sea Monsters, Journey of Life, and Sir David Attenborough’s Life in the Undergrowth and First Life (BBC). He also has a YouTube channel.
Simon is retired but continues to work on fossils. Personal interests, apart from palaeontology, include live music (playing guitar, writing songs). He has organised the open mic at the Castle Inn in Manorbier, and played in the folk band Razor Bill.
