People I (Mostly) Admire

98. Searching for Our Aquatic Ancestors

Feb 4, 2023
Neil Shubin, a distinguished paleontologist at the University of Chicago, dives into the fascinating evolution of land animals from fish. He shares captivating stories from his fossil hunting expeditions in the Arctic, showcasing the challenges and triumphs of scientific exploration. Shubin discusses the significance of his key discovery, Tiktaalik, and how understanding evolutionary connections aids in studying human genetic diseases. By blending paleontology with molecular biology, he highlights groundbreaking insights into life's intricate adaptations.
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INSIGHT

Guiding Question

  • Neil Shubin's fossil hunting began with a question: how did life transition from water to land?
  • This question guided his research for over 30 years, leading him to master diverse skills like anatomy and molecular biology.
ADVICE

Securing Funding

  • Funding for high-risk fossil hunts can be challenging. Start with low-risk expeditions in accessible locations to demonstrate proof of concept.
  • Early success in Pennsylvania enabled Shubin to secure funding for Arctic expeditions.
ANECDOTE

Pennsylvania Discoveries

  • Shubin's team began their search in Pennsylvania, focusing on Devonian-age rocks along Route 80.
  • They found fossils of early land-walking fish, proving their approach and securing further funding.
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