Contributions by role
Contributions by subject area
Douglas Riff
Summary
Teaching and research in Paleontology, with emphasis on the study of fossil crocodiles and other reptiles. Field experience in South America and Antarctica, and interests in morphology and systematics of vertebrates, conservation and history of science. Pleasure to describe new species, contributing to seven fossil crocodiles: Acresuchus pachytemporalis (2019), Mourasuchus pattersoni (2017), Pepesuchus deiseae (2011), Caryonosuchus pricei (2011), Gryposuchus croizati (2008), Purussaurus mirandai (2006) and Stratiotosuchus maxhechti (2001).
Paleontology has been my interest since I leave the idea to be a train driver, as a child. Several visits to the National Museum and to the State Library in Rio de Janeiro with my parents, and later a book of the palaeontologist Niels Eldredge (gift of a friend during the high school), motivated me to pursue this career through the study of Biology. I introduced myself formally to paleontology in 1998 after a lecture by one of the most captivating paleontologists and speakers I have ever met, Dr Castor Cartelle (Pontifical Catholic University of Minas Gerais). Even interested by fossils since infancy, until that moment I was experiencing other fields as undergrad student of Biology, including marine biology (meiofauna), entomology, forest ecology and environmental education. The lecture of Dr Cartelle renewed my enthusiasm to become a professional paleontologist and ever since Evolution, Systematics, Amazonian and Antarctic past biotas are the subjects of my great interest and dedication.
Born in Rio de Janeiro (19 November 1979).
PhD in Zoology (National Museum, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, 2003-2007).
Master in Zoology (National Museum, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, 2001-2003).
Baccalaureate (BS) in Zoology (Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, 2001-2005).
Licentiate (Teaching) biologist (Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, 1997-2000).