Eocene Vertebrate Fauna and Flora in Canada's High Arctic

Explore the fascinating world of Eocene vertebrate fauna and flora in Canada's High Arctic through this informative lecture by Dr. Jaelyn Eberle from the University of Colorado. Delve into the lush rainforests of the Eocene Epoch, spanning 56 to 33.9 million years ago, and discover the diverse array of plants and animals that thrived in this ancient greenhouse world. Learn about the rapid diversification of mammals during this period, including early primates, tapirs, and hippo-like Coryphodon, as well as the presence of alligators, turtles, and birds. Examine the historical and geographic context of Arctic fossil localities, and gain insights into the environmental conditions that shaped these ecosystems. Understand how studying these ancient environments can help predict future Arctic changes in the face of current climate trends. Investigate the research findings suggesting that some climate-sensitive animals had greater environmental tolerances in the past compared to their modern descendants, highlighting the need to assess their adaptability to future climate change. Explore topics such as paleoclimate reconstruction techniques, latitudinal diversity gradients, and the composition of Eocene Arctic marine fauna, providing a comprehensive overview of life at the top of the Eocene greenhouse world.