Where primates evolved
Science Sessions are brief conversations with cutting-edge researchers, National Academy members, and policymakers as they discuss topics relevant to today's scientific community. Learn the behind-the-scenes story of work published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), plus a broad range of scientific news about discoveries that affect the world around us.
In this episode, Jorge Avaria-Llautureo and Chris Venditti explain why the evolution of primates likely occurred in cold, dry climates rather than in tropical forests.
In this episode, we cover: •[00:00] Introduction •[00:58] Evolutionary biologist Jorge Avaria-Lautureo explains the prevailing hypothesis that primates evolved in a tropical climate •[02:54] Evolutionary biologist Chris Venditti introduces evidence suggesting a different origin climate. •[03:54] Avaria discusses how the researchers reconstructed the climate of early primate species. •[05:05] Venditti and Avaria explain why it was important to use standardized climate definitions in this study. •[07:29] Avaria describes the results of the study. •[08:18]Venditti talks about the importance of understanding early primates’ climates. •[09:21] Avaria and Venditti talk about the study’s caveats and limitations. •[10:22] Conclusion.
About Our Guests:
Jorge Avaria-Llautureo Postdoctoral scholar University of Reading
Chris Venditti Professor University of Reading
View related content here: https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2423833122
Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts for more captivating discussions on scientific breakthroughs!
Visit Science Sessions on PNAS.org: https://www.pnas.org/about/science-sessions-podcast
Follow PNAS: Twitter/X Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Sign up for the PNAS Highlights newsletter