Rick Prum, a Yale evolutionary biologist and ornithologist, takes listeners on a captivating journey through the fascinating world of birds, which he describes as living dinosaurs. He discusses how feathers originally evolved for insulation and display, not just flight. Prum reveals that birds see colors, including ultraviolet light, that are invisible to humans, enriching their sensory experiences. He also champions Darwin’s theory of sexual selection, illustrating how beauty significantly impacts mate choice and evolutionary success in avian species.
