Charles Marshall sitting between skulls of T. rex and a giant extinct marine Mesozoic monster

Research Bio

Charles Marshall is a paleobiologist whose research seeks to understand the history of life on Earth by integrating fossil data with evolutionary theory and geologic context. His work explores macroevolutionary patterns, mass extinctions, and the processes that shape biodiversity over deep time.

Marshall is widely recognized for applying quantitative models to the fossil record to infer evolutionary rates and environmental drivers of extinction. His research has contributed to debates on the timing of the Cambrian explosion, the diversification of vertebrates, and the extinction of the dinosaurs.

An expert in evolutionary biology and paleontology, Marshall is a professor in the Departments of Integrative Biology and Earth & Planetary Science at UC Berkeley. He is Director of the UC Museum of Paleontology and a Fellow of the Paleontological Society and the Geological Society of America.

Research Expertise and Interest

paleontology

In the News

How Many T. Rexes Were There? Billions.

How many Tyrannosaurus rexes roamed North America during the Cretaceous period? That’s a question Charles Marshall pestered his paleontologist colleagues with for years until he finally teamed up with his students to find an answer.

Featured in the Media

Please note: The views and opinions expressed in these articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or positions of UC Berkeley.
April 16, 2021

How Many Tyrannosaurus Rexes Ever Lived on Earth? Here's a New Clue.

The New York Times
FullStory (*requires registration)

Teaching

Courses taught during the three most recent semesters
2026 Fall 2026 Spring 2025 Fall

For additional information, please consult the UC Berkeley course schedule.