Mahala Andrews facts for kids

Mahala Andrews (born February 9, 1939 – died October 27, 1997) was a British scientist. She was a palaeontologist, meaning she studied ancient life, especially fossils. She worked for the National Museum of Scotland.

About Mahala Andrews

Mahala Andrews was born Sheila Mahala Andrews in Beckenham, London. This was on February 9, 1939. Her mother, Mahala Humphrey, was a crafts teacher. Her father, Alfred J. R. Andrews, worked for the post office. Mahala was their only child.

After her father passed away in 1941, she moved to Sydenham, London. She lived there with her mother.

Education and Early Career

Mahala Andrews loved learning. She went to Girton College, Cambridge. In 1960, she earned a degree in zoology. Zoology is the study of animals.

After college, she worked for seven years. She was a research assistant at the University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne. She helped geology professor Thomas Stanley Westoll.

Later, Mahala went back to Cambridge. She completed her PhD, which is a high-level university degree. Her research was about fossil lobe-finned fish. These are ancient fish with fleshy, lobed fins. In 1970, she also helped write a paper about these fish.

Working at the Museum

In 1968, Mahala Andrews got an important job. She became a Senior Scientific Officer. This was in the Geology Department at the Royal Scottish Museum. Today, this museum is called the National Museum of Scotland. By 1973, she was promoted to Principal Scientific Officer.

Her main work focused on fossil lobe-finned fish. These fish were very important. Scientists believe they eventually evolved into the first animals that lived on land. Mahala's research became a key part of understanding how amphibians first appeared.

She wrote a book in 1982. It was called The Discovery of Fossil Fishes in Scotland up to 1845. She also wrote many articles about prehistoric lobe-finned fish. One famous fish she studied was Onychodus. Mahala also drew many of the fossils she researched.

Her work took her to many places. In 1979, she joined the first official group of palaeontologists to work in China.

Later Life

Mahala Andrews was a Christian. In 1993, she retired early because of health issues. She bought a house on the island of Iona in Scotland. She wanted to join the religious community there. Mahala Andrews passed away on Iona on October 27, 1997.