The Origins and Evolution of Madagascar's Modern Vertebrates

Explore the fascinating evolutionary history of Madagascar's unique vertebrates in this 48-minute lecture by Dr. Karen Samonds from Northern Illinois University. Delve into recent fossil discoveries that illuminate the island's prehistoric past and learn about efforts to preserve its remaining species. Discover how Madagascar's isolation and dramatic geological history have shaped its extraordinary biodiversity. Examine the mysteries surrounding the arrival of ancestral species to the island, which has been separated from other landmasses for nearly 90 million years. Gain insights into the Cenozoic Era fossil record and its crucial role in understanding Madagascar's animal origins. Learn about groundbreaking palaeontological surveys that have unearthed the first collection of Cenozoic vertebrates on the island, including fishes, sharks, crocodylians, turtles, sea cows, dolphins, and newly discovered land-dwelling animals.