TED Talks Daily A brief tour of the last 4 billion years (dinosaurs not included) | Lauren Sallan
Feb 18, 2020
Join Lauren Sallan, a paleontologist and TED Fellow, as she takes you on a witty journey through four billion years of evolution. From sharks with wings to galloping crocodiles, get ready to explore the surprising diversity of life beyond dinosaurs. Sallan discusses the evolution of genetic material, major mass extinctions, and how geological changes have shaped the planet’s biodiversity. Dive into Earth's rich history and uncover how understanding the past helps us grasp the future of life on our planet!
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Paleontology's True Scope
- Paleontology studies all past life, not just dinosaurs.
- It explores fundamental questions about life's origins and evolution.
Early Life and Environmental Change
- Life began with genetic material producing proteins and altering the environment.
- Early bacteria consumed sunlight, producing oxygen and impacting other microbes.
Weird Fishes and Giant Insects
- Sharks diversified into various forms, including those with wings, buzzsaw jaws, and teeth-covered fins.
- Giant millipedes and dragonflies thrived in wetlands, eventually forming coal deposits.