James G. Gehling

James G. Gehling (born 20 September 1946) is an Australian palaeontologist recognised for his extensive research on the Ediacaran biota and significant contributions to the understanding of early multicellular life. He played a pivotal role in the formal naming of the Ediacaran Period, marking the first addition of a new geological period to the Standard Global Chronostratigraphic Scale in over a century.

Early life and education Gehling received his B.Sc. Honours and M.Sc. degrees from the University of Adelaide. He later earned a Ph.D. from the University of California, Los Angeles, focusing on the taphonomy of the terminal Proterozoic Ediacara biota in South Australia.

Contributions to geology In 2005, Gehling was instrumental in the formal naming of the Ediacaran Period, covering an interval from approximately 630 million to 542 million years ago. This was the first new geological period added to the Standard Global Chronostratigraphic Scale in over 100 years. The period was officially unveiled by South Australian premier Mike Rann on 16 April 2005. He has appeared in various international media, notably alongside Sir David Attenborough in the 2009 documentary "First Life," featuring Ediacara fossils from South Australia.

In 2024, the species Tribrachidium gehlingi was named in honor of Professor Gehling, recognizing his extensive contributions to the study of Ediacaran fossils and the geology of the Flinders Ranges. This newly identified species exhibits distinct morphological features, including three slightly curved main arm-like structures that do not reach the outer margin, and three shorter secondary arms, distinguishing it from the previously known T. heraldicum.

In 2025, Gehling was awarded the Royal Society of South Australia’s Verco Medal.