A (Very) Short History of Life on Earth w/Henry Gee
Feb 23, 2023
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Henry Gee, paleontologist and editor at Nature, discusses the evolution of the anus, life's transition from water to land, the fascination with T-Rex, early explorers discovering extinct species, challenges of timekeeping, and gaining perspective on human existence and evolution.
Mass extinction events foster the emergence of new and unusual forms of life.
Bipedalism evolved slowly, starting with branch clambering and eventually becoming the efficient form of locomotion we use today.
The Triassic period showcased incredible diversity with the emergence of unique reptilian and mammalian forms.
Deep dives
The Triassic Period: A Diverse Era of Life
The Triassic period, which followed the Permian mass extinction, was a time of incredible diversity. Many unique reptilian forms emerged during this period, including aquatic creatures like turtles and frogs. Mammals also evolved during this period, along with a plethora of reptilian species. However, the most famous inhabitants of the Triassic period, the dinosaurs, only appeared toward the end.
Life's Inventiveness During Mass Extinction Events
During mass extinction events, such as the one that marked the transition from the Permian to the Triassic period, life exhibits tremendous inventiveness. Despite the Earth's attempts to wipe out life with volcanic activity and other disasters, life perseveres. These cataclysms provide opportunities for new and unusual forms of life to emerge and thrive.
The Astonishing Adaptation of Bipedalism
Bipedalism, the ability to walk on two legs, is an incredible adaptation that humans possess. However, it is a rather unlikely and cumbersome mode of locomotion. The early creatures that evolved bipedalism had to do so quickly, as any leg injuries would be extremely detrimental. Walking on two legs evolved slowly, starting with branch clambering and eventually becoming the efficient form of locomotion we use today.
The Underappreciated Beginning of the Jurassic Period
The Jurassic period is often associated with dinosaurs, but the early stages of this period were teeming with other fascinating creatures. The Trassic period, which preceded the Jurassic, saw the evolution of various reptiles like lystosaurus, as well as significant diversification in marine life. It was a period of innovation and abundant forms of life, showcasing the remarkable diversity of the ancient world.
The Concept of Extinction and Evolution
The podcast episode explores the concept of extinction and the revolutionary idea of evolution. The early scientists, such as Isaac Newton and Georges Cuvier, faced significant challenges in understanding and accepting these concepts in a world without modern technology. Cuvier's discovery of extinct creatures and the idea of species disappearing forever was a groundbreaking and difficult concept to grasp, as it clashed with religious beliefs and intuitive thinking. The leap from extinction to evolution was equally mind-boggling, as it required a complete shift in understanding the world and the processes that shaped life throughout history.
A Sense of Perspective and the Length of Geological Time
The podcast delves into the immense lengths of time that shaped the history of life on Earth and the fleeting nature of human existence. By exploring the vastness of geological time and the processes that unfolded over millions of years, it provides a sense of perspective and humility about humanity's place in the universe. Understanding the depths of time allows readers to appreciate the small portion of history occupied by humans and fosters a deeper appreciation for the incredible complexity and diversity of life that existed before and alongside us.
Henry Gee is the author of ‘A (Very) Short History of Life on Earth’ - winner Royal Society Science Book Award 2022 and more notably, one of Shane's favorite books :)
Henry is a paleontologist, evolutionary biologist, and editor at Nature. He is also a hilarious, charming, wonderful guy who articulates the story of our existence in a poetic and accessible way.
Learn more about him, his books, and his other writings here https://occamstypewriter.org/cromercrox/about-henry-gee/
The paperback version of this book is available for preorder now
Listen to Henry's first appearance on the show here: https://www.herewearepodcast.com/episodes/episode-360-46-billion-years-in-2-hours-henry-gee
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