Intelligence Squared Otherlands: A Journey Into Our Planet’s Deep Past, with Thomas Halliday
May 25, 2022
Palaeobiologist Thomas Halliday, author of 'Otherlands', takes listeners on a mesmerizing journey through Earth's evolution over 500 million years. He discusses the unique ecosystems of ancient landscapes, like the Pangaea era, revealing paleontological discoveries, including early evidence of cancer. Halliday also delves into the origins of sexual reproduction, the evolution of animal eyes, and how ancient flora shaped our atmosphere. With lighthearted moments like 'monkey boats', he ties past ecological shifts to current climate challenges.
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The Gorgon's Tale
- Thomas Halliday reads a passage about a Gorgonopsid in prehistoric Niger.
- It describes the creature's struggles with a fractured leg and a cancerous tumor.
Fact and Fiction in Paleobiolog
- Halliday explains the Gorgon passage's basis in fossil evidence, like the odontoma and healed leg.
- He emphasizes grounding his writing in scientific research while allowing for emotional responses.
Imagining Lost Worlds
- Halliday discusses the challenge of imagining different worlds, like Pangaea, with unique ecosystems.
- He emphasizes that despite differences, ecological rules remain consistent, like predator-prey ratios.
