The Speed of Life: A Deep-Time Perspective on Evolution

Explore the fascinating world of evolutionary biology in this 1-hour 10-minute lecture by Professor Anjali Goswami. Delve into the complex patterns of evolution, examining why some species thrive while others become extinct, and how certain groups diversify extensively while others remain relatively unchanged for millions of years. Discover the factors influencing the pace and direction of evolution, drawing from data on thousands of extinct and living vertebrate species spanning hundreds of millions of years. Learn about the impact of characteristics like social behavior, herbivory, and metamorphosis on evolutionary speed, and gain insights into the unpredictable nature of global biotic collapse. Investigate the recurring evolution of similar forms across different groups and time periods, and ponder why certain hypothetical forms never materialize. Through Professor Goswami's expertise in vertebrate evolution and development, gain a deep-time perspective on the speed of life and the intricate forces shaping Earth's biodiversity.