Podcasts about professor umlaut

Bears are among the most charismatic and impressive mammals. They have large bodies, very flexible lifestyles, and an extensive fossil record that includes some of the best-preserved and largest fossil mammals of all time. This episode, we explore what makes bears so distinctive and successful, and how their diversity has changed over time. In the news: ancient alligators, rattlesnake venom, late land crocs, pterosaur tracks, and Caribbean crocodiles. Time markers: Intro & Announcements: 00:00:00 News: 00:05:45 Main discussion, Part 1: 00:43:25 Main discussion, Part 2: 01:28:25 Patron question: 02:12:25 Check out our website for this episode's blog post and more: http://commondescentpodcast.com/ Listen to our new podcast, Leaf it to Us! https://linktr.ee/leafittouspod Join us on Patreon to support the podcast and enjoy bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/commondescentpodcast Got a topic you want to hear about? Submit your episode request here: https://commondescentpodcast.com/request-a-topic/ Lots more ways to connect with us: https://linktr.ee/common_descent The Intro and Outro music is “On the Origin of Species” by Protodome. More music like this at http://ocremix.org Musical Interludes are "Professor Umlaut" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0

Just about every body of water on Earth, from oceans to puddles, is home to an ecosystem of tiny drifting organisms. This episode, we discuss what sorts of organisms we might expect to find in a swarm of plankton, we'll explore how plankton is so fundamental to biological and geological systems on Earth, and we'll take some time to lay out some of the many ways that ancient plankton are a crucial part of the fossil record. In the news: climbing reptiles, croc extinctions, Ashfall rhinos, and ankylosaur tracks. Time markers: Intro & Announcements: 00:00:00 News: 00:05:40 Main discussion, Part 1: 00:35:15 Main discussion, Part 2: 01:23:00 Patron question: 02:00:30 Check out our website for this episode's blog post and more: http://commondescentpodcast.com/ Join us on Patreon to support the podcast and enjoy bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/commondescentpodcast Listen to Will talk speculative evolution on the Nerd Trek Podcast https://open.spotify.com/episode/2NzdG8TMfwGLzpP8sKXHQA And listen to David talk de-extinction on the House of Pod https://open.spotify.com/show/3z6EgP0BzaHQoXzCtxQ32t Support links: ACLU: https://www.aclu.org/ Got a topic you want to hear about? Submit your episode request here: https://commondescentpodcast.com/request-a-topic/ Lots more ways to connect with us: https://linktr.ee/common_descent The Intro and Outro music is “On the Origin of Species” by Protodome. More music like this at http://ocremix.org Musical Interludes are "Professor Umlaut" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0

With several thousand living species, ferns are the second most diverse vascular plants around today, after angiosperms. Ferns are also abundant and well-known in the fossil record. This episode, Aly joins us to explore the dizzying variety of ferns and their ferny-friends, past and present. In the news: When the Earth Was Green, weird wasps, and ancient claws. And also dire wolves. Time markers: Intro & Announcements: 00:00:00 News: 00:04:20 Main discussion, Part 1: 00:46:45 Main discussion, Part 2: 01:37:00 Patron question: 02:20:40 Check out our website for this episode's blog post and more: http://commondescentpodcast.com/ Join us on Patreon to support the podcast and enjoy bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/commondescentpodcast When the Earth Was Green: https://bookshop.org/p/books/when-the-earth-was-green-plants-animals-and-evolution-s-greatest-romance-riley-black/21356911    https://libro.fm/audiobooks/9781250354211-when-the-earth-was-green Find Riley at @restingdinoface.bsky.social And http://rileyblack.net/ Support links: Assigned Media: https://www.assignedmedia.org/ Got a topic you want to hear about? Submit your episode request here: https://commondescentpodcast.com/request-a-topic/ Lots more ways to connect with us: https://linktr.ee/common_descent The Intro and Outro music is “On the Origin of Species” by Protodome. More music like this at http://ocremix.org Musical Interludes are "Professor Umlaut" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0

We've all been wondering for the past few episodes—what's happening to Maud?! Is she dead? Has she been subsumed into her grandfather's evil scheme? Or something altogether worse? Gerard gets thrown around a lot. Safari Smith tries to discipline his daughter. Maud unleashes the skeletons from the closet. • • • Patreon: patreon.com/improvtabletop Twitter / Instagram / Facebook / TikTok: @ImprovTabletop Email: ImprovTabletop@gmail.com Donations: ko-fi.com/improvtabletop • • • Audio Credits Improv Tabletop's theme song is “Melodic Marauder”, written by Scott Villanueva, and performed by Scott Villanueva and Ned Wilcock. The following also by Ned Wilcock. “Fuguenflauten” “These Thoughts Are Not My Own” “Currently Being Subsumed” The following songs are used courtesy of the YouTube Audio Library License. “Bumper Tag” by John Deley The following songs are from tabletopaudio.com. All of the 10 minute ambiences on this site are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). “Myconid Colony” “Dark City” The following songs are by the fantastic Kevin MacLeod. Professor Umlaut by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4243-professor-umlaut License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license • • • This actual play episode uses the Fate Accelerated RPG rules by Evil Hat Productions. This is a fanmade work of parody. Improv Tabletop is not affiliated with the Gravity Falls brand or its owner The Walt Disney Company, nor with the Jumanji brand or its owner Sony Pictures Entertainment.

Evolution just loves a nice pair of oversized canines, especially on mammalian predators. Saber-toothed animals have shown up over and over again – we even have some today – but despite their similarities, not all of these toothy species were using their canines the same way. This episode, we explore the various shapes of functions of saber teeth and the disparate lineages that have sported them. In the news: The Fossil Keeper's Treasure, the size of megalodon, and vulture feathers. Time markers: Intro & Announcements: 00:00:00 News: 00:07:00 Main discussion, Part 1: 00:44:30 Main discussion, Part 2: 01:28:30 Patron question: 02:27:30 Check out our website for this episode's blog post and more: http://commondescentpodcast.com/ Join us on Patreon to support the podcast and enjoy bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/commondescentpodcast The Fossil Keeper's Treasure: https://www.edelweiss.plus/#sku=1917044267&g=4400 Find Amy online at @MaryAnningsRevenge Support links: National Immigrant Justice Center: https://immigrantjustice.org Researcher Support Consortium: https://researchersupport.org/ Got a topic you want to hear about? Submit your episode request here: https://commondescentpodcast.com/request-a-topic/ Lots more ways to connect with us: https://linktr.ee/common_descent The Intro and Outro music is “On the Origin of Species” by Protodome. More music like this at http://ocremix.org Musical Interludes are "Professor Umlaut" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0

Our high-level Patreon supporters get to request a topic for their very own mini-episode! For the sixth time, we've put the latest bunch together for everyone to enjoy! Thank you as always to our incredible Patrons of all levels for keeping the podcast going! Intro: 00:00:00 Ambulocetus for Ambulocetus – 00:01:45 Abelisaurs for Quinn – 00:18:30 Capybaras for Melissa – 00:41:22 Pelicans for Johnathan – 01:02:05 Pikas for Hana – 01:31:45 Wooly rhinos for Eric – 01:51:25 Check out our website for blog posts and more: http://commondescentpodcast.com/ Join us on Patreon to support the podcast and enjoy bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/commondescentpodcast Got a topic you want to hear about? Submit your episode request here: https://commondescentpodcast.com/request-a-topic/ Lots more ways to connect with us: https://linktr.ee/common_descent The Intro and Outro music is “On the Origin of Species” by Protodome. More music like this at http://ocremix.org. Musical Interludes are "Professor Umlaut" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Leave a carcass or a log or a pile of poop out in the wild long enough and it will break down into its component parts. Decomposers are an often-overlooked but essential component of ecosystems past and present. This episode, we explore the varied processes of decomposition and how scientists study decomposers and use that information. We'll also discuss the importance of decomposition to the fossil record, as well as how we can identify signs of decomposers from the distant past. In the news: temnospondyl extinction, hot crocs, foraging birds, narwhal tusks, and giant flying squirrels. Time markers: Intro & Announcements: 00:00:00 News: 00:06:55 Main discussion, Part 1: 00:44:45 Main discussion, Part 2: 01:28:05 Patron question: 02:12:30 Check out our website for this episode's blog post and more: http://commondescentpodcast.com/ Join us on Patreon to support the podcast and enjoy bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/commondescentpodcast Got a topic you want to hear about? Submit your episode request here: https://commondescentpodcast.com/request-a-topic/ Lots more ways to connect with us: https://linktr.ee/common_descent The Intro and Outro music is “On the Origin of Species” by Protodome. More music like this at http://ocremix.org Musical Interludes are "Professor Umlaut" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0

When vertebrates first moved onto land, they gave rise to a variety of amphibious tetrapods. The most diverse and successful of these were temnospondyls, which were some of the most important species in early land and freshwater environments. This episode, we'll explore temnospondyls' evolutionary history, their ecological variety, and their mysterious connection to modern amphibians. In the news: domesticating dogs, early birds, color evolution, and changing seeds. Time markers: Intro & Announcements: 00:00:00 News: 00:07:35 Main discussion, Part 1: 00:32:30 Main discussion, Part 2: 00:53:15 Patron question: 01:32:30 Resources: Resources for Researchers and Scholars Under Threat in the US: https://www.nationalacademies.org/chr/committee-on-human-rights Erin in the Morning: https://www.erininthemorning.com/   Fill out our Listener Survey here: https://forms.gle/CSoZaCbGN2DsRLTR6 Check out our website for this episode's blog post and more: http://commondescentpodcast.com/ Join us on Patreon to support the podcast and enjoy bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/commondescentpodcast Got a topic you want to hear about? Submit your episode request here: https://commondescentpodcast.com/request-a-topic/ Lots more ways to connect with us: https://linktr.ee/common_descent The Intro and Outro music is “On the Origin of Species” by Protodome. More music like this at http://ocremix.org Musical Interludes are "Professor Umlaut" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0

E. D. Cope is one of the most recognizable and notorious names in paleontology history. He did some of the most important early work in vertebrate paleontology, he was one half of the dueling duo in the infamous Bone Wars, he named some of the most famous fossil animals, and he was profoundly irresponsible and unethical with his science. This episode, we're joined by Astrid Lundberg to explore the life and legacy of Edward Cope, investigating such questions as: How did he get his start? What lasting contributions did he make to paleontology? And what was wrong with this guy? In the news: giant small pterosaurs, plesiosaur skin, bat teeth, and African isotopes. Time markers: Intro & Announcements: 00:00:00 News: 00:05:50 Main discussion, Part 1: 00:44:15 Main discussion, Part 2: 01:36:10 Patron question: 02:26:30 Find Astrid as OddPride on TikTok and BlueSky and Astrid_Lundberg on Instagram and YouTube. And you can support her at www.patreon.com/OddPride Resources: California Fire Foundation: https://www.cafirefoundation.org/ TransLifeline: https://translifeline.org/ Fill out our Listener Survey here: https://forms.gle/CSoZaCbGN2DsRLTR6 Check out our website for this episode's blog post and more: http://commondescentpodcast.com/ Join us on Patreon to support the podcast and enjoy bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/commondescentpodcast Got a topic you want to hear about? Submit your episode request here: https://commondescentpodcast.com/request-a-topic/ Lots more ways to connect with us: https://linktr.ee/common_descent The Intro and Outro music is “On the Origin of Species” by Protodome. More music like this at http://ocremix.org Musical Interludes are "Professor Umlaut" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0

You might know them as ghost sharks, rat fish, or spook fish. Chimaeras are close cousins of sharks and rays, equipped with distinctive and unusual features in their fins, teeth, and reproductive structures. In today's oceans, chimaeras are rare and easy to miss, but their extended family includes some of the most diverse and iconic fish of the Paleozoic seas. In this episode, we'll explore the traits that set chimaeras apart, we'll take a tour through their ancient relatives, and we'll investigate what their most famous cousins were doing with their strange spiral rows of teeth. In the news: Baltic herrings, Cambrian arms race, pterosaur tails, and early dinosaurs. Time markers: Intro & Announcements: 00:00:00 News: 00:06:35 Main discussion, Part 1: 00:40:25 Main discussion, Part 2: 01:16:45 Patron question: 02:20:00 Check out our website for this episode's blog post and more: http://commondescentpodcast.com/ Join us on Patreon to support the podcast and enjoy bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/commondescentpodcast Got a topic you want to hear about? Submit your episode request here: https://commondescentpodcast.com/request-a-topic/ Lots more ways to connect with us: https://linktr.ee/common_descent The Intro and Outro music is “On the Origin of Species” by Protodome. More music like this at http://ocremix.org Musical Interludes are "Professor Umlaut" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0

Southern Africa is home to an incredible sequence of geologic formations that span more than 100 million years of Earth history. These rocks, collectively called the Karoo Supergroup, are an extraordinary resource for studying evolution and extinction across the Late Paleozoic and Early Mesozoic Eras. This episode, we'll explore the deep history of this vast geologic resource, and we'll sample some of the discoveries that have been made there. In the news: dormancy evolution, Pangaean amphibians, regeneration genes, and Neanderthal fossil collectors. Time markers: Intro & Announcements: 00:00:00 News: 00:03:55 Main discussion, Part 1: 00:36:00 Main discussion, Part 2: 01:04:30 Patron question: 01:33:30 Check out our website for this episode's blog post and more: http://commondescentpodcast.com/ Join us on Patreon to support the podcast and enjoy bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/commondescentpodcast Got a topic you want to hear about? Submit your episode request here: https://commondescentpodcast.com/request-a-topic/ Lots more ways to connect with us: https://linktr.ee/common_descent The Intro and Outro music is “On the Origin of Species” by Protodome. More music like this at http://ocremix.org Musical Interludes are "Professor Umlaut" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0

Most theropod dinosaurs are sleek predators built for speedy movement and efficient hunting. Therizinosaurs are unusual. They're slow and stocky and, in many ways, more like the famous plant-eating dinosaurs. This episode, we'll explore the diversity of therizinosaurs, the winding path that paleontologists took to understand them, the many ways they became specialized for a diet of plants, and what was going on with those claws. In the news: Parasaurolophus crests, Scottish bears, anglerfish evolution, and Clovis diets. Time markers: Intro & Announcements: 00:00:00 News: 00:07:30 Main discussion, Part 1: 00:46:45 Main discussion, Part 2: 01:14:20 Patron question: 02:00:30 Check out our website for this episode's blog post and more: http://commondescentpodcast.com/ Join us on Patreon to support the podcast and enjoy bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/commondescentpodcast Got a topic you want to hear about? Submit your episode request here: https://commondescentpodcast.com/request-a-topic/ Lots more ways to connect with us: https://linktr.ee/common_descent The Intro and Outro music is “On the Origin of Species” by Protodome. More music like this at http://ocremix.org Musical Interludes are "Professor Umlaut" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0

Having finally stepped through the door into Halloweentown, it's time for our heroes(?) to hunt down Punxsutawney Phil—if they can make it to the top of Jack Skellington's tower! Geni wrestles with loves lost and loves found. Ned (Ryerson) takes on a new persona. Rossiter Roger pulls a Jojo's Bizarre Adventure. • • • Patreon: patreon.com/improvtabletop Twitter / Instagram / Facebook / TikTok: @ImprovTabletop Email: ImprovTabletop@gmail.com Donations: ko-fi.com/improvtabletop • • • Audio Credits Improv Tabletop's theme song is “Melodic Marauder”, written by Scott Villanueva, and performed by Scott Villanueva and Ned Wilcock. The following also by Ned Wilcock. “These Thoughts Are Not My Own” The following songs are by the fantastic Kevin MacLeod. Professor Umlaut by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4243-professor-umlaut License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license The following songs are used courtesy of the YouTube Audio Library License. “Corny Candy” by The Soundlings “Spider Juice” by Silent Partner “Tiptoes” by Myuu “Skeleton Dance” by Myuu • • • This actual play episode uses the Fate Accelerated RPG rules by Evil Hat Productions. This is a fanmade work of parody. Improv Tabletop is not affiliated with The Nightmare Before Christmas brand or its owner The Walt Disney Company, nor with the Groundhog Day brand or its owner Columbia Pictures.

Evolution involves the innovation of new features, but even more reduction of old features. Those reduced features might disappear, develop in a new direction, or just linger as a functionless evidence of deep ancestry. This episode, we explore how we identify vestigial traits, how they help us understand evolutionary history, and the various evolutionary paths vestigial structures can take. In the news: giant worm lizards, drumstick evolution, dinosaur poop, and pterosaur transitions. Time markers: Intro & Announcements: 00:00:00 News: 00:04:00 Main discussion, Part 1: 00:36:45 Main discussion, Part 2: 01:22:30 Patron question: 01:56:50 Check out our website for this episode's blog post and more: http://commondescentpodcast.com/ Join us on Patreon to support the podcast and enjoy bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/commondescentpodcast Got a topic you want to hear about? Submit your episode request here: https://commondescentpodcast.com/request-a-topic/ Lots more ways to connect with us: https://linktr.ee/common_descent The Intro and Outro music is “On the Origin of Species” by Protodome. More music like this at http://ocremix.org Musical Interludes are "Professor Umlaut" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0

Not all plants rely on the sun for their energy. Thousands of species are adapted for stealing nutrients from other plants. This episode, Aly joins us to explore the diversity and evolution of parasitic plants, their varied lifestyles, and their impacts on their hosts. We also examine the surprising nature of the parasitic plant fossil record. In the news: a frozen sabertooth kitten, plesiosaur swimming, wing evolution, and dinosaur body armor. Time markers: Intro & Announcements: 00:00:00 News: 00:05:45 Main discussion, Part 1: 00:54:20 Main discussion, Part 2: 01:33:20 Patron question: 02:10:30 Follow Aly online at @PaleoLorax Check out our website for this episode's blog post and more: http://commondescentpodcast.com/ Join us on Patreon to support the podcast and enjoy bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/commondescentpodcast Got a topic you want to hear about? Submit your episode request here: https://commondescentpodcast.com/request-a-topic/ Lots more ways to connect with us: https://linktr.ee/common_descent The Intro and Outro music is “On the Origin of Species” by Protodome. More music like this at http://ocremix.org Musical Interludes are "Professor Umlaut" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0

Around six million years ago, the Mediterranean Sea dried up, wreaking havoc with local marine life and leaving a dramatic legacy in the geologic record in the form of massive salt deposits. This episode, we'll explore the evidence for this event, why it happened, how it ended, and the impact it left in the fossil record. In the news: marine crocs, giant cicadas, giant tadpoles, and drowning bats. Time markers: Intro & Announcements: 00:00:00 News: 00:04:25 Main discussion, Part 1: 00:42:35 Main discussion, Part 2: 01:09:35 Patron question: 02:02:15 Check out our website for this episode's blog post and more: http://commondescentpodcast.com/ Join us on Patreon to support the podcast and enjoy bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/commondescentpodcast Got a topic you want to hear about? Submit your episode request here: https://commondescentpodcast.com/request-a-topic/ Lots more ways to connect with us: https://linktr.ee/common_descent The Intro and Outro music is “On the Origin of Species” by Protodome. More music like this at http://ocremix.org Musical Interludes are "Professor Umlaut" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0

Mice, rats, beavers, and more! Rodents are some of the most diverse and successful mammals on the planet. This episode, we discuss what traits make rodents special, and we explore their incredible living diversity. Then we'll take a trip to the past to investigate early rodent evolution, some highlights of their fossil record, and some of their ancient competitors. In the news: Arthropleura's head, raptorial birds, dinosaur eggs, and evolution education. Time markers: Intro & Announcements: 00:00:00 News: 00:05:50 Main discussion, Part 1: 00:38:25 Main discussion, Part 2: 01:28:15 Patron question: 02:14:25 Check out our website for this episode's blog post and more: http://commondescentpodcast.com/ Join us on Patreon to support the podcast and enjoy bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/commondescentpodcast Got a topic you want to hear about? Submit your episode request here: https://commondescentpodcast.com/request-a-topic/ Lots more ways to connect with us: https://linktr.ee/common_descent The Intro and Outro music is “On the Origin of Species” by Protodome. More music like this at http://ocremix.org Musical Interludes are "Professor Umlaut" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0

It's the final part of our fungal trilogy! Fungi and animals interact in a wide variety of ways, from parasitism to partnership to predation. This episode, we explore how fungi and animals have evolved alongside each other and the adaptations they have developed to take advantage of each other, and we'll examine how far back we can find these fungus-animal interactions in the fossil record. In the news: pterosaur feet, sauropod tails, a Cretaceous crater, and fossil fireflies. Time markers: Intro & Announcements: 00:00:00 News: 00:13:20 Main discussion, Part 1: 00:44:10 Main discussion, Part 2: 01:35:15 Patron question: 02:42:00 Check out our website for this episode's blog post and more: http://commondescentpodcast.com/ Join us on Patreon to support the podcast and enjoy bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/commondescentpodcast Got a topic you want to hear about? Submit your episode request here: https://commondescentpodcast.com/request-a-topic/ Lots more ways to connect with us: https://linktr.ee/common_descent The Intro and Outro music is “On the Origin of Species” by Protodome. More music like this at http://ocremix.org Musical Interludes are "Professor Umlaut" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0

Our fungal celebration continues! The relationship between fungi and plants is one of the most famous and consequential connections in biological history. This episode, Aly is here to help us explore how fungi and plants work together and work against each other, what we know about the deep history of their relationship, and how fungi and plants together have shaped the world as we know it. Fungi will return… In the news: toothy birds, polar forests, coelacanth evolution, and a Pennsylvanian lagerstatte. Time markers: Intro & Announcements: 00:00:00 News: 00:07:35 Main discussion, Part 1: 00:36:40 Main discussion, Part 2: 01:40:15 Patron question: 02:40:30 Follow Aly online at @PaleoLorax And go check out Flora Funga Podcast at www.florafungapodcast.com and on social media at @florafungapodcast Check out our website for this episode's blog post and more: http://commondescentpodcast.com/ Join us on Patreon to support the podcast and enjoy bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/commondescentpodcast Got a topic you want to hear about? Submit your episode request here: https://commondescentpodcast.com/request-a-topic/ Lots more ways to connect with us: https://linktr.ee/common_descent The Intro and Outro music is “On the Origin of Species” by Protodome. More music like this at http://ocremix.org Musical Interludes are "Professor Umlaut" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0

Mini-episodes are rewards for our high-level supporters on Patreon, each one focusing on a requested topic for a specific Patron. From time to time, we combine a bunch of these and release them as a bundle for all our listeners to enjoy. Enjoy! A huge thanks as always to our Patrons for their kind contributions to our education efforts. Intro: 00:00:00 T. rex for Sam – 00:02:02 Okapis for Sarah May – 00:30:00 Cicadas for Danielle – 00:48:43 Ants for Robert – 01:13:40 Polychaetes for Joshua – 01:39:01 Pangolins for KitKat – 02:04:28 Join us on Patreon to support the podcast and perhaps request your own mini-episode! https://www.patreon.com/commondescentpodcast Got a topic you want to hear about? Submit your episode request here: https://commondescentpodcast.com/request-a-topic/ We're an Audible Affiliate Partner! Use this link for a 30-day free trial to Audible: https://www.audibletrial.com/CommonDescent Lots more ways to connect with us: https://linktr.ee/common_descent The Intro and Outro music is “On the Origin of Species” by Protodome. More music like this at http://ocremix.org. Musical Interludes are "Professor Umlaut" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Here it is! The most requested episode topic in the history of the podcast! Fungi are everywhere. This episode, we explore how fungi work, what makes them different from other organisms, and how they achieve a wide variety of lifestyles all over the world. We'll also look back at their evolutionary history and fossil record to explore some of the most significant fungal moments of Earth's past. Fungi will return… In the news: dinosaur teeth, pterosaur flight, bit bones, and ancient thylacines. Time markers: Intro & Announcements: 00:00:00 News: 00:08:30 Main discussion, Part 1: 00:39:15 Main discussion, Part 2: 01:38:30 Patron question: 02:29:35 Check out our website for this episode's blog post and more: http://commondescentpodcast.com/ Join us on Patreon to support the podcast and enjoy bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/commondescentpodcast Got a topic you want to hear about? Submit your episode request here: https://commondescentpodcast.com/request-a-topic/ Lots more ways to connect with us: https://linktr.ee/common_descent The Intro and Outro music is “On the Origin of Species” by Protodome. More music like this at http://ocremix.org Musical Interludes are "Professor Umlaut" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0

Sometimes, an animal just needs to power down and wait. Many animals exhibit some form of torpor, including the long-term dormancy of hibernation. This episode, we explore how these species adjust their body functions, we discuss the pros and cons of this surprisingly common biological strategy, and we'll take a look at what we know about the evolutionary history and fossil record of hibernation. In the news: walrus diets, ancient weapons, grape evolution, and fossil tardigrades. Time markers: Intro & Announcements: 00:00:00 News: 00:10:35 Main discussion, Part 1: 00:40:40 Main discussion, Part 2: 01:31:15 Patron question: 02:13:30 Check out our website for this episode's blog post and more: http://commondescentpodcast.com/ Join us on Patreon to support the podcast and enjoy bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/commondescentpodcast Got a topic you want to hear about? Submit your episode request here: https://commondescentpodcast.com/request-a-topic/ Lots more ways to connect with us: https://linktr.ee/common_descent The Intro and Outro music is “On the Origin of Species” by Protodome. More music like this at http://ocremix.org Musical Interludes are "Professor Umlaut" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0

Eels are long-bodied fish found in a variety of aquatic habitats, famous for their unusual body plans, distinctive life cycles, and occasional anatomical oddities like extra jaws. This episode, we're joined by special guest Shay Maden to discuss the diversity, evolution, and fossil history of the true eels of the Order Anguilliformes, and we'll also make mention of other famous “eels” and the repeated evolution of the eel-like body shape. In the news: dog brains, giant beans, marine crocs, and opening oceans. Time markers: Intro & Announcements: 00:00:00 News: 00:07:50 Main discussion, Part 1: 00:40:30 Main discussion, Part 2: 01:17:30 Patron question: 01:44:55 Check out our website for this episode's blog post and more: http://commondescentpodcast.com/ Join us on Patreon to support the podcast and enjoy bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/commondescentpodcast Got a topic you want to hear about? Submit your episode request here: https://commondescentpodcast.com/request-a-topic/ Lots more ways to connect with us: https://linktr.ee/common_descent The Intro and Outro music is “On the Origin of Species” by Protodome. More music like this at http://ocremix.org Musical Interludes are "Professor Umlaut" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0

Some animals are specialists at eating particularly tough foods like shells, seeds, and bones. Adaptations for a durophagous diet come in many forms in almost all major groups of life. This episode, we discuss how so many animals tackle tough foods, what behaviors and anatomy help them to do it, and the importance of durophagy for understanding fossils and the history of Earth ecosystems. In the news: fossil boas, walking fish, cooked birds, and early arthropods. Time markers: Intro & Announcements: 00:00:00 News: 00:08:15 Main discussion, Part 1: 00:45:50 Main discussion, Part 2: 01:28:45 Patron question: 02:06:30 Check out our website for this episode's blog post and more: http://commondescentpodcast.com/ Join us on Patreon to support the podcast and enjoy bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/commondescentpodcast Got a topic you want to hear about? Submit your episode request here: https://commondescentpodcast.com/request-a-topic/ Lots more ways to connect with us: https://linktr.ee/common_descent The Intro and Outro music is “On the Origin of Species” by Protodome. More music like this at http://ocremix.org Musical Interludes are "Professor Umlaut" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0

Boas and pythons include some of the most famous snake species on Earth, renowned for their incredible tropical diversity, their often beautiful scale patterns, and their often impressive size. This episode, we discuss what sets these two lineages apart from other snakes – and each other – and we explore the evolutionary path recorded in their fossil record. In the news: giant early tetrapods, digging dinosaurs, coastal croc-cousins, and striking snakes. Time markers: Intro & Announcements: 00:00:00 News: 00:08:15 Main discussion, Part 1: 00:37:40 Main discussion, Part 2: 01:30:10 Patron question: 02:16:10 Check out our website for this episode's blog post and more: http://commondescentpodcast.com/ Join us on Patreon to support the podcast and enjoy bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/commondescentpodcast Got a topic you want to hear about? Submit your episode request here: https://commondescentpodcast.com/request-a-topic/ Lots more ways to connect with us: https://linktr.ee/common_descent The Intro and Outro music is “On the Origin of Species” by Protodome. More music like this at http://ocremix.org Musical Interludes are "Professor Umlaut" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0

Leaves. They're everywhere. They're the main photosynthesizing organs of plants, and they're the main source of green on our green-and-blue planet. Leaves come in a truly dizzying variety of shapes, sizes, and specialized functions, and their early evolution laid the foundation for terrestrial ecosystems as we know them. This episode, Aly joins us yet again to talk about the anatomy and diversity of leaves and the incredible information we can learn from leaves in the fossil record. In the news: croc cousins, horned dinosaurs, dinosaur myths, and fish brains. Time markers: Intro & Announcements: 00:00:00 News: 00:07:40 Main discussion, Part 1: 00:42:30 Main discussion, Part 2: 01:36:00 Patron question: 02:54:30 Follow Aly online at @PaleoLorax Check out our website for this episode's blog post and more: http://commondescentpodcast.com/ Join us on Patreon to support the podcast and enjoy bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/commondescentpodcast Got a topic you want to hear about? Submit your episode request here: https://commondescentpodcast.com/request-a-topic/ Lots more ways to connect with us: https://linktr.ee/common_descent The Intro and Outro music is “On the Origin of Species” by Protodome. More music like this at http://ocremix.org Musical Interludes are "Professor Umlaut" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0

Happy Croc Month! Alligators and caimans are the living members of the family Alligatoridae. In this episode, we explore how the gator lineage differs from other crocs, and we'll dive into the fossil record of the extended gator family tree, a history that includes a diversity of species and some of the largest crocodilians to ever live. In the news: Australian pterosaurs, mega-geese, Neanderthal art, and social ants. Time markers: Intro & Announcements: 00:00:00 News: 00:06:45 Main discussion, Part 1: 00:37:55 Main discussion, Part 2: 01:12:45 Patron question: 02:19:50 Check out our website for this episode's blog post and more: http://commondescentpodcast.com/ Join us on Patreon to support the podcast and enjoy bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/commondescentpodcast Got a topic you want to hear about? Submit your episode request here: https://commondescentpodcast.com/request-a-topic/ Lots more ways to connect with us: https://linktr.ee/common_descent The Intro and Outro music is “On the Origin of Species” by Protodome. More music like this at http://ocremix.org Musical Interludes are "Professor Umlaut" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0

Terrestrial animals get around using a variety of gaits: walking, running, galloping, etc. Some of these gaits are particularly bouncy! Hopping comes in many forms in many different groups of animals. This episode, we'll discuss what makes a particular gait “hoppy,” what functions hopping serves, and what adaptations are found in the best hoppers. Then, we'll explore what we can tell about hopping in the fossil record. In the news: dinosaur skin, marine worms, ancient monotremes, and plant-ant relations Time markers: Intro & Announcements: 00:00:00 News: 00:06:45 Main discussion, Part 1: 00:36:30 Main discussion, Part 2: 01:19:00 Patron question: 01:50:10 Check out our website for this episode's blog post and more: http://commondescentpodcast.com/ Join us on Patreon to support the podcast and enjoy bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/commondescentpodcast Got a topic you want to hear about? Submit your episode request here: https://commondescentpodcast.com/request-a-topic/ Lots more ways to connect with us: https://linktr.ee/common_descent The Intro and Outro music is “On the Origin of Species” by Protodome. More music like this at http://ocremix.org Musical Interludes are "Professor Umlaut" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0

Tongues are a common feature among tetrapod animals, but the evolution of this organ is complex and fascinating. Through time, tongues have evolved a wide variety of functions from feeding to sensing to speech. This episode, we'll explore the diversity of tongues and their bony counterparts in the hyoid apparatus, we'll examine what's known about tongue evolution, and we'll discuss how fossils – especially hyoids – help us interpret the tongues of extinct species. In the news: dinosaur temperatures, ancient geomagnetism, Martian lake conditions, and splitting sea stars. Time markers: Intro & Announcements: 00:00:00 News: 00:08:15 Main discussion, Part 1: 00:39:55 Main discussion, Part 2: 01:24:05 Patron question: 02:02:40 Check out our website for this episode's blog post and more: http://commondescentpodcast.com/ Join us on Patreon to support the podcast and enjoy bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/commondescentpodcast Got a topic you want to hear about? Submit your episode request here: https://commondescentpodcast.com/request-a-topic/ Lots more ways to connect with us: https://linktr.ee/common_descent The Intro and Outro music is “On the Origin of Species” by Protodome. More music like this at http://ocremix.org Musical Interludes are "Professor Umlaut" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0

The Varsity Knights seek help from their ‘arch enemy' to defeat Soozan Ooze & save the day once & for all… Roleplay Radio is an improvised narrative-based TTRPG podcast. This arc was run by Michael Yang, using the Masks: A New Generation system. WorldAnvil: ⁠https://www.worldanvil.com/w/roleplay-radio3A-strixhaven-roleplayradio⁠ Discord Server: ⁠https://discord.gg/DfgN9D2fKb⁠ MUSIC CREDITS: “Varsity Knights!” by LJY https://www.youtube.com/@ljydoesmusic "Nonstop" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License The Best Detective by samuel Lee from Pixabay “Rage” Music by Gvidon from Pixabay “Snake Dance” from Pixabay "Phantom from Space" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License "On the Ground" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License “Weird Neighbors” by Locran https://uppbeat.io/t/locran/weird-neighbors License code: KQGB49GBGBMT3G1B “We've Lost Life Support” Music by Timothy Kulig from Pixabay “Stalker” Music by AlexisOrtizSofield from Pixabay “Melancholy” Music by Defekt_Maschine from Pixabay “Under Pressure” by Michael Kobrin Music by 21039285 from Pixabay “Things that live in the cellar” Music by geoffharvey from Pixabay “The Best Jazz Club in New Orleans” Music by Paolo Argento from Pixabay Mysterious Story (Holiday) by Oleksii Holubiev from Pixabay “Tunnel” by Danijel Zimbo https://uppbeat.io/t/danijel-zambo/tunnel License code: DS0YILZDOBAFAIQS “Internal investigation” https://uppbeat.io/t/benjamin-botkin/Internal-Investigation “Stomp Clap Snaps” Music by Diamond_Tunes from Pixabay “Little Fishes” by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay “Creepy Mood” Music by SoulProdMusic from Pixabay "Dangerous" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License “Around Us” Music by Akira | アキラ from Pixabay “No Limits” by Muzaproduction from Pixabay “An Old Haunted Ballroom” Music by Gioele Fazzeri from Pixabay "Outfoxing the Fox" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License “Big Iron” by Pecan Pie License code: WMSH22O25JIVDI5Q "Movement Proposition" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License “Apparition's Aria” Music by Denis Maksimov from Pixabay "Professor Umlaut" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License “Bloody Haunting Night” Music by Gioele Fazzeri from Pixabay “Tension Horror Theme” Music by Stringer Bell from Pixabay “Trouble is Brewing” by David Fesliyan “Where the Brave May Live forever” by OB-LIX from Pixabay “Into Battle” Music by Vitaliy Levkin from Pixabay “Comic March of Monsters” Music by Pavel Shilov from Pixabay Chase by Alexander Nakarada | https://www.serpentsoundstudios.com Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) “Delight” by moodmode from Pixabay “Cinematic Metal” Music by Muzaproduction from Pixabay “Fantasy – pagan medieval cinematic epic war battle” Music from Pixabay “Battle Metal” Music by nakaradaalexander from Pixabay “Heroic Story” by Lesfm from Pixabay “Risk” Music by StudioKolomna from Pixabay “Scary Spooky Creepy Horror Ambient Dark Piano Cinematic” by SoundGalleryByDmitryTaras from Pixabay” “Enchanted” by Peter Cavallo https://uppbeat.io/t/peter-cavallo/enchanted License code: 0UBG0S1ECT1GEVBF “The Lights of the Village” by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay Funny Kids by Grand_Project from Pixabay “Weird Neighbors” by Locran https://uppbeat.io/t/locran/weird-neighbors License code: KQGB49GBGBMT3G1B “Enigma” https://uppbeat.io/t/benjamin-botkin/enigma License code: VNGETJHWU10YHQPZ   "Bittersweet" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License “Without God” Music by AntipodeanWriter from Pixabay Track: Wrong Answer Music by https://www.fiftysounds.com

Language is possibly the most important and incredible ability that sets humans apart from other species. Whether spoken, written, or signed, language exists in thousands of varieties among modern human cultures, and there are some very language-like communication systems in other animals, too. This episode, we discuss what defines language, what makes it so special, and what we understand about its history and origins among our ancestors. In the news: orangutan medicine, frog skin, giant sharks, and dinosaur eggs. Time markers: Intro & Announcements: 00:00:00 News: 00:05:15 Main discussion, Part 1: 00:34:35 Main discussion, Part 2: 01:14:25 Patron question: 01:58:00 Find Dr. Alex at https://www.bridgetalex.com/  or @bannelia Check out our website for this episode's blog post and more: http://commondescentpodcast.com/ Join us on Patreon to support the podcast and enjoy bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/commondescentpodcast Got a topic you want to hear about? Submit your episode request here: https://commondescentpodcast.com/request-a-topic/ Lots more ways to connect with us: https://linktr.ee/common_descent The Intro and Outro music is “On the Origin of Species” by Protodome. More music like this at http://ocremix.org Musical Interludes are "Professor Umlaut" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0

Cicadas are among the most famous insects in the world, and in summer 2024, they're set to put on quite a show in North America! This episode, we explore the function and evolution of cicadas' most famous features, including their notoriously loud calls and their incredible life cycles, and we'll take a peek into the past at the fossil record of cicadas and their ancient cousins. In the news: giant snakes, big kangaroos, dinosaur amino acids, and echolocation tissues. Time markers: Intro & Announcements: 00:00:00 News: 00:03:45 Main discussion, Part 1: 00:39:35 Main discussion, Part 2: 01:18:50 Patron question: 02:00:30 Check out our website for this episode's blog post and more: http://commondescentpodcast.com/ Join us on Patreon to support the podcast and enjoy bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/commondescentpodcast Got a topic you want to hear about? Submit your episode request here: https://commondescentpodcast.com/request-a-topic/ Lots more ways to connect with us: https://linktr.ee/common_descent The Intro and Outro music is “On the Origin of Species” by Protodome. More music like this at http://ocremix.org Musical Interludes are "Professor Umlaut" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0

The Varsity Knights are back! It's Homecoming & emotions are running high. But dating & drama aren't the only dangers that await on the dance floor… Roleplay Radio is an improvised narrative-based TTRPG podcast. This arc was run by Michael Yang, using the Masks: A New Generation system. WorldAnvil: ⁠https://www.worldanvil.com/w/roleplay-radio3A-strixhaven-roleplayradio⁠ Discord Server: ⁠https://discord.gg/DfgN9D2fKb⁠ MUSIC CREDITS: “Adventure Time” by Jonas Rogel from Pixabay “Varsity Knights!” Orchestral Version by LJY https://www.youtube.com/@ljydoesmusic "Nonstop" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ “Avengers 2 Trailer IDEA” by DigitalMindProject from Pixabay "Professor Umlaut" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Mysterious Story (Holiday) by Oleksii Holubiev from Pixabay "Eternal Terminal" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/   “Big Iron” by Pecan Pie Music from #Uppbeat License code: WMSH22O25JIVDI5Q “Fantasy – pagan medieval cinematic epic war battle” Music by SoundGalleryByDmitryTaras from Pixabay “Rage” Music by Gvidon from Pixabay "On the Ground" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/   “Neighborhood Oddities” by Matt Stewart-Evans Music from #Uppbeat License code: 1YAH0G0OCDNDAZCQ   "Bittersweet" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/   “That is my Comedy” Music by Paolo Argento from Pixabay Funny Kids by Grand_Project from Pixabay “Inquisitive Orchestra” Music by Musictown from Pixabay “Mysterious Walking (Comedy)” by Oleksii Holubiev from Pixabay “Weird Neighbors” by Locran Music from #Uppbeat License code: KQGB49GBGBMT3G1B "Vicious" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ “Melancholy” Music by Defekt_Maschine from Pixabay "Ethernight Club" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ “This is Jazz”  by Oleg Kyrylkovv from Pixabay “Upbeat Quirky Background Jazz” by Oleg Kyrylkovv from Pixabay “Sneaking in the Warehouse” Music by brolefilmer from Pixabay   “We Dance”. By Soundroll Music from #Uppbeat License code: F5DOFVWXWH0YPLIU “Multiplayer Quest” Music from #Uppbeat License code: NSP8T0ZOUPQDMVV0 "Thief in the Night" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ “Impressions” Music by prazkhanal from Pixabay “Comedy Big Bang Jazz” Music by Yevhen Onoychenko from Pixabay “Funky Main”  by Grand_Project from Pixabay Townsong by Alexander Nakarada Keep on Supposing by Orchestral Version by LJY https://www.youtube.com/@ljydoesmusic "Ancient Rite" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ “Tunnel” by Danijel Zimbo Music from #Uppbeat License code: DS0YILZDOBAFAIQS “Drama Tension” Music by Musictown from Pixabay "Chase" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ “The War” Music by Rinesh Scorings from Pixabay "Outfoxing the Fox" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/   “Hip Hop – Straight Up Music by AntipodeanWriter from Pixabay   “Varsity Knights!” by LJY https://www.youtube.com/@ljydoesmusic Track: Wrong Answer Music by https://www.fiftysounds.com

This group of predatory dinosaurs includes such famous names as Deinonychus, Microraptor, and Velociraptor, and they're among the most well-studied and popular dinosaurs of all time. This episode, we'll discuss what sets these dinosaurs apart, as well the much-discussed and -debated questions surrounding their relationships to birds, their distinctive claws and wings, and their hunting strategies. In the news: ant-mimic spiders, fishapod spinal column, early dinosaur growth, and a fossil tapeworm. Time markers: Intro & Announcements: 00:00:00 News: 00:05:20 Main discussion, Part 1: 00:33:00 Main discussion, Part 2: 01:13:50 Patron question: 02:22:05 Check out our website for this episode's blog post and more: http://commondescentpodcast.com/ Links mentioned in the announcements: Palestine Children's Relief Fund: https://www.pcrf.net/ Jewish Voice For Peace: https://www.jewishvoiceforpeace.org/take-action/ Join us on Patreon to support the podcast and enjoy bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/commondescentpodcast Got a topic you want to hear about? Submit your episode request here: https://commondescentpodcast.com/request-a-topic/ Lots more ways to connect with us: https://linktr.ee/common_descent The Intro and Outro music is “On the Origin of Species” by Protodome. More music like this at http://ocremix.org Musical Interludes are "Professor Umlaut" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0

An animal eating another member of its own species might sound like a rare and abnormal occurrence – and it is often portrayed that way – but cannibalism is actually extremely widespread and common in nature. Some animals are occasional cannibals, while some go so far as to rely on this behavior to fuel proper growth and development. In this episode, we'll discuss some of the varieties of cannibalism, explore how this behavior has been misunderstood and misconstrued in the past, and investigate some evidence from the fossil record. In the news: toothless Cretaceous birds, giant river dolphins, Alaska dinosaurs, and Kermit the temnospondyl. Time markers: Intro & Announcements: 00:00:00| News: 00:05:50 Main discussion, Part 1: 00:29:30 Main discussion, Part 2: 01:16:45 Patron question: 02:09:15 Check out our website for this episode's blog post and more: http://commondescentpodcast.com/ Join us on Patreon to support the podcast and enjoy bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/commondescentpodcast What's The "T" Stand For?: A Let's Learn-A-Saurus Book https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CYZJ1QLR Got a topic you want to hear about? Submit your episode request here: https://commondescentpodcast.com/request-a-topic/ We're an Audible Affiliate Partner! Use this link for a 30-day free trial to Audible: https://www.audibletrial.com/CommonDescent Lots more ways to connect with us: https://linktr.ee/common_descent The Intro and Outro music is “On the Origin of Species” by Protodome. More music like this at http://ocremix.org. Musical Interludes are "Professor Umlaut" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Among the most spectacular of animal behaviors is migration, the habit of many species to undertake massive journeys, sometimes traveling thousands of kilometers to access food or breeding grounds. This episode, we explore the incredible diversity of migratory behaviors, we examine the functions and adaptations that make migration happen, we discuss how migration is defined, and we investigate some of the tools we can use to identify migration in the distant past. In the news: giant crabs, fossil forests, early cephalopods, and mating termites. Time markers: Intro & Announcements: 00:00:00 News: 00:04:40 Main discussion, Part 1: 00:30:15 Main discussion, Part 2: 01:26:00 Patron question: 01:49:35 Check out our website for this episode's blog post and more: http://commondescentpodcast.com/ Join us on Patreon to support the podcast and enjoy bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/commondescentpodcast Got a topic you want to hear about? Submit your episode request here: https://commondescentpodcast.com/request-a-topic/ We're an Audible Affiliate Partner! Use this link for a 30-day free trial to Audible: https://www.audibletrial.com/CommonDescent Lots more ways to connect with us: https://linktr.ee/common_descent The Intro and Outro music is “On the Origin of Species” by Protodome. More music like this at http://ocremix.org. Musical Interludes are "Professor Umlaut" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Owls are among the world's most iconic and charismatic birds, and they're also among the most effective aerial predators. This episode, we'll take a tour of the amazing adaptations that have allowed owls to achieve their modern diversity and worldwide range, and we'll explore what we know – and what we don't – about their evolutionary history. In the news: snake evolution, ancient polar life, dinosaur joints, and dragon teeth. Time markers: Intro & Announcements: 00:00:00 News: 00:05:10 Main discussion, Part 1: 00:40:35 Main discussion, Part 2: 01:23:50 Patron question: 02:03:15 Check out our website for this episode's blog post and more: http://commondescentpodcast.com/ Join us on Patreon to support the podcast and enjoy bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/commondescentpodcast Got a topic you want to hear about? Submit your episode request here: https://commondescentpodcast.com/request-a-topic/ We're an Audible Affiliate Partner! Use this link for a 30-day free trial to Audible: https://www.audibletrial.com/CommonDescent Lots more ways to connect with us: https://linktr.ee/common_descent The Intro and Outro music is “On the Origin of Species” by Protodome. More music like this at http://ocremix.org. Musical Interludes are "Professor Umlaut" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Cacti are famous for their spine-shaped leaves, their water-retaining tissues, their green stems, and especially for being among the most well-adapted organisms on Earth for dry environments. This episode, we're joined by Dr. Aly Baumgartner to discuss the diversity of cacti, their unique adaptations for an unusual lifestyle, and their mysterious evolutionary past. In the news: Stone Age jewelry, kelp fossils, long-jawed fish, and early trees. Time markers: Intro & Announcements: 00:00:00 News: 00:06:00 Main discussion, Part 1: 00:38:25 Main discussion, Part 2: 01:25:00 Patron question: 02:04:00 Check out our website for this episode's blog post and more: http://commondescentpodcast.com/ Join us on Patreon to support the podcast and enjoy bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/commondescentpodcast Got a topic you want to hear about? Submit your episode request here: https://commondescentpodcast.com/request-a-topic/ We're an Audible Affiliate Partner! Use this link for a 30-day free trial to Audible: https://www.audibletrial.com/CommonDescent Lots more ways to connect with us: https://linktr.ee/common_descent The Intro and Outro music is “On the Origin of Species” by Protodome. More music like this at http://ocremix.org. Musical Interludes are "Professor Umlaut" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

A familiar name to modern biologists and paleontologists, Sir Richard Owen is famous for his pioneering work in the fields of paleontology and comparative anatomy, his contributions to public appreciation of biological sciences, and his often antagonistic relationships with contemporary scientists. This episode, we'll explore Owen's major scientific contributions and his long-standing reputation as a villain of 19th Century science. In the news: temnospondyl survivors, big sauropods, dinosaur hunting, and mammoth journeys. Time markers: Intro & Announcements: 00:00:00 News: 00:04:50 Main discussion, Part 1: 00:32:10 Main discussion, Part 2: 01:04:30 Patron question: 01:36:35 Check out our website for this episode's blog post and more: http://commondescentpodcast.com/ Join us on Patreon to support the podcast and enjoy bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/commondescentpodcast Got a topic you want to hear about? Submit your episode request here: https://commondescentpodcast.com/request-a-topic/ We're an Audible Affiliate Partner! Use this link for a 30-day free trial to Audible: https://www.audibletrial.com/CommonDescent Lots more ways to connect with us: https://linktr.ee/common_descent The Intro and Outro music is “On the Origin of Species” by Protodome. More music like this at http://ocremix.org. Musical Interludes are "Professor Umlaut" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Feathers are among the most diverse and complex forms of animal integument. Today, they're exclusive to birds, where they can be found in a dizzying variety of forms and functions, and incredible fossils reveal even more diversity of feathers on ancient dinosaurs. This episode, we explore the features of modern feathers, the mysteries of feather origins, and the much-discussed question of which ancient animals were truly feathered. In the news: sturdy bird necks, giant worms, early photosynthesis, and very old skin. Time markers: Intro & Announcements: 00:00:00 News: 00:06:20 Main discussion, Part 1: 00:37:00 Main discussion, Part 2: 01:15:55 Patron question: 02:11:30 Check out our website for this episode's blog post and more: http://commondescentpodcast.com/ Join us on Patreon to support the podcast and enjoy bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/commondescentpodcast Got a topic you want to hear about? Submit your episode request here: https://commondescentpodcast.com/request-a-topic/ We're an Audible Affiliate Partner! Use this link for a 30-day free trial to Audible: https://www.audibletrial.com/CommonDescent Lots more ways to connect with us: https://linktr.ee/common_descent The Intro and Outro music is “On the Origin of Species” by Protodome. More music like this at http://ocremix.org. Musical Interludes are "Professor Umlaut" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Blending in with the surroundings is an incredibly useful habit. Even without evidence, this fact would be obvious from the sheer variety of organisms that do it and the vast diversity of strategies and adaptations they use. This episode, we look at what camouflage is and how it works in its many forms, and we explore how we can spot camouflage – and what we can learn from it – in the fossil record. In the news: curled-up trilobites, Antarctic octopus DNA, crab organs, and giant whales. Time markers: Intro & Announcements: 00:00:00 News: 00:05:35 Main discussion, Part 1: 00:37:25 Main discussion, Part 2: 01:29:35 Patron question: 02:14:40 Check out our website for this episode's blog post and more: http://commondescentpodcast.com/ Join us on Patreon to support the podcast and enjoy bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/commondescentpodcast Got a topic you want to hear about? Submit your episode request here: https://commondescentpodcast.com/request-a-topic/ We're an Audible Affiliate Partner! Use this link for a 30-day free trial to Audible: https://www.audibletrial.com/CommonDescent Lots more ways to connect with us: https://linktr.ee/common_descent The Intro and Outro music is “On the Origin of Species” by Protodome. More music like this at http://ocremix.org. Musical Interludes are "Professor Umlaut" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Dragonflies and damselflies are incredible insects. They are arguably the world's most skilled fliers, arguably the world's most successful predators, and arguably the best insects (so says David). Not only that, they and their ancient cousins have been abundant and successful aerial predators for over 300 million years. This episode, we discuss what sets these bugs apart from all the rest, we explore what's known of their evolution from their surprisingly good fossil record, and of course we highlight their most famous extinct cousins: the giant griffenflies. In the news: croc habitats, tyrannosaur food, elephant trunks, and early mosquitos. Time markers: Intro & Announcements: 00:00:00 News: 00:04:30 Main discussion, Part 1: 00:34:15 Main discussion, Part 2: 01:13:15 Patron question: 01:53:45 Check out our website for this episode's blog post and more: http://commondescentpodcast.com/ Join us on Patreon to support the podcast and enjoy bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/commondescentpodcast Got a topic you want to hear about? Submit your episode request here: https://commondescentpodcast.com/request-a-topic/ We're an Audible Affiliate Partner! Use this link for a 30-day free trial to Audible: https://www.audibletrial.com/CommonDescent Lots more ways to connect with us: https://linktr.ee/common_descent The Intro and Outro music is “On the Origin of Species” by Protodome. More music like this at http://ocremix.org. Musical Interludes are "Professor Umlaut" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Filter feeding is among the most widespread dietary strategies in the world. From tiny bivalves to massive basking sharks, animals have developed a vast array of convergent strategies for filtering tiny food particles out of the water. This episode, we discuss what it takes to be a filter feeder, why it's so common, the various methods animals employ to make it happen, and how we try (sometimes successfully) to identify filter feeding in the fossil record. In the news: Thailand trilobites, mammal aging, bird-like footprints, and whale echolocation. Time markers: Intro & Announcements: 00:00:00 News: 00:04:55 Main discussion, Part 1: 00:38:30 Main discussion, Part 2: 01:22:00 Patron question: 02:04:30 Check out our website for this episode's blog post and more: http://commondescentpodcast.com/ The End of the Year Q&A submission form is open! Submit your question here: https://forms.gle/EeAMhEfnatVWqmnS9 Join us on Patreon to support the podcast and enjoy bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/commondescentpodcast Got a topic you want to hear about? Submit your episode request here: https://commondescentpodcast.com/request-a-topic/ We're an Audible Affiliate Partner! Use this link for a 30-day free trial to Audible: https://www.audibletrial.com/CommonDescent Lots more ways to connect with us: https://linktr.ee/common_descent The Intro and Outro music is “On the Origin of Species” by Protodome. More music like this at http://ocremix.org. Musical Interludes are "Professor Umlaut" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Mini-episodes are rewards for our high-level supporters on Patreon, each one focusing on a requested topic for a specific Patron. From time to time, we combine a bunch of these and release them as a bundle for all our listeners to enjoy. Enjoy! A huge thanks as always to our Patrons for their kind and generous contributions to our education efforts. Intro: 00:00:00 Icarosaurus for Elizabeth - 00:02:25 Corvids for Stephen - 00:17:20 Thylacines for Traci - 00:40:45 Shrikes for Oscar - 01:02:10 Entelodonts for Lucy - 01:20:15 Iguanas for Tobias - 01:46:40 Check out our website for blog posts, additional content, and more: http://commondescentpodcast.com/ Join us on Patreon to support the podcast and enjoy bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/commondescentpodcast Got a topic you want to hear about? Submit your episode request here: https://commondescentpodcast.com/request-a-topic/ We're an Audible Affiliate Partner! Use this link for a 30-day free trial to Audible: https://www.audibletrial.com/CommonDescent Lots more ways to connect with us: https://linktr.ee/common_descent The Intro and Outro music is “On the Origin of Species” by Protodome. More music like this at http://ocremix.org. Musical Interludes are "Professor Umlaut" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

If things get too hot or too cold, the crucial processes inside the cells and tissues of living organisms stop working properly, and that's bad. So, organisms expend a lot of time and energy managing their body temperatures. This episode, we break down the familiar concepts of “warm-blooded” and “cold-blooded,” we discuss the many adaptations that animals use to manage the heat, we explore what evidence allows us to interpret thermoregulatory strategies in the fossil record, and we investigate what is known about how these strategies have evolved over time. In the news: soft robot echinoderms, bird tracks, taste evolution, and dinosaur eggs. Time markers: Intro & Announcements: 00:00:00 News: 00:04:45 Main discussion, Part 1: 00:36:00 Main discussion, Part 2: 01:20:30 Patron question: 1:59:00 Check out our website for this episode's blog post and more: http://commondescentpodcast.com/ The End of the Year Q&A submission form is open! Submit your question here: https://forms.gle/EeAMhEfnatVWqmnS9 Join us on Patreon to support the podcast and enjoy bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/commondescentpodcast Got a topic you want to hear about? Submit your episode request here: https://commondescentpodcast.com/request-a-topic/ We're an Audible Affiliate Partner! Use this link for a 30-day free trial to Audible: https://www.audibletrial.com/CommonDescent Lots more ways to connect with us: https://linktr.ee/common_descent The Intro and Outro music is “On the Origin of Species” by Protodome. More music like this at http://ocremix.org. Musical Interludes are "Professor Umlaut" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Listen up! The world around us is full of sound, and animals have evolved numerous strategies for receiving and interpreting those sounds. In this episode, we discuss the many varieties of sound-sensing organs and how they've evolved repeatedly throughout life history. We'll also explore some of the other important things that ears can do, including the ever-important task of maintaining our equilibrium. In the news: carnivorous lampreys, caterpillar legs, early dragonflies, and the sea star body plan. Time markers: Intro & Announcements: 00:00:00 News: 00:06:10 Main discussion, Part 1: 00:36:45 Main discussion, Part 2: 01:30:15 Patron question: 2:14:05 Check out our website for this episode's blog post and more: http://commondescentpodcast.com/ The End of the Year Q&A submission form is open! Submit your question here: https://forms.gle/EeAMhEfnatVWqmnS9 Join us on Patreon to support the podcast and enjoy bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/commondescentpodcast Got a topic you want to hear about? Submit your episode request here: https://commondescentpodcast.com/request-a-topic/ We're an Audible Affiliate Partner! Use this link for a 30-day free trial to Audible: https://www.audibletrial.com/CommonDescent Lots more ways to connect with us: https://linktr.ee/common_descent The Intro and Outro music is “On the Origin of Species” by Protodome. More music like this at http://ocremix.org. Musical Interludes are "Professor Umlaut" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

These days, we Homo sapiens are the only humans around, but that wasn't always the case. This episode, we are joined by special guest Dr. Bridget Alex to discuss our most famous extinct cousins, Neanderthals. We explore what makes them similar and dissimilar to us, what evidence we use to study their lives and culture, and how our understanding of them has grown from outdated misrepresentations to the complex and fascinating people we now know them to have been. In the news: a fossil bat skull, beaver evolution, early pliosaurs, and Ancient Egyptian snakes Time markers: Intro & Announcements: 00:00:00 News: 00:06:25 Main discussion, Part 1: 00:41:00 Main discussion, Part 2: 01:38:35 Patron question: 02:30:35 Find Dr. Alex on her website: bridgetalex.com Or follow her on Twitter: @bannelia Check out our website for this episode's blog post and more: http://commondescentpodcast.com/ Join us on Patreon to support the podcast and enjoy bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/commondescentpodcast Got a topic you want to hear about? Submit your episode request here: https://commondescentpodcast.com/request-a-topic/ We're an Audible Affiliate Partner! Use this link for a 30-day free trial to Audible: https://www.audibletrial.com/CommonDescent Lots more ways to connect with us: https://linktr.ee/common_descent The Intro and Outro music is “On the Origin of Species” by Protodome. More music like this at http://ocremix.org. Musical Interludes are "Professor Umlaut" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Hadrosaurs (the so-called “duckbill” dinosaurs) and their fellow ornithopods were among the most abundant and successful dinosaur groups of all time. This episode, we discuss their evolution and diversity, and we explore some of the most outstanding and unique features of the group, including their incredible fossil record, complex social behaviors, wacky head ornaments, and their truly incredible mouths. In the news: fluorescent mammals, snake tracks, leaf mining, and terror bird footprints. Time markers: Intro & Announcements: 00:00:00 News: 00:06:40 Main discussion, Part 1: 00:41:30 Main discussion, Part 2: 01:14:25 Patron question: 02:18:15 Check out our website for this episode's blog post and more: http://commondescentpodcast.com/ Join us on Patreon to support the podcast and enjoy bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/commondescentpodcast Got a topic you want to hear about? Submit your episode request here: https://commondescentpodcast.com/request-a-topic/ We're an Audible Affiliate Partner! Use this link for a 30-day free trial to Audible: https://www.audibletrial.com/CommonDescent Lots more ways to connect with us: https://linktr.ee/common_descent The Intro and Outro music is “On the Origin of Species” by Protodome. More music like this at http://ocremix.org. Musical Interludes are "Professor Umlaut" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Plants are delicious, nutritious, and full of energy, so they're prime targets for all sorts of herbivores, parasites, and pathogens. But plants aren't just sitting passively accepting attacks, they use a variety of strategies to defend themselves, from the frustrating to the fatal. This episode, we're joined by our favorite paleobotanist, Aly Baumgartner, to discuss the many ways plants defend themselves – physically, chemically, and beyond – and the fascinating evolutionary history of plant defenses and their offenders. In the news: deep-sea fish, Wollemi pines, learning birds, and plant technology. Time markers: Intro & Announcements: 00:00:00 News: 00:06:55 Main discussion, Part 1: 00:38:15 Main discussion, Part 2: 01:12:25 Patron question: 01:48:10 Check out our blog for bonus info and pictures: http://commondescentpodcast.com/ Join us on Patreon to support the podcast and enjoy bonus content! https://www.patreon.com/commondescentpodcast Got a topic you want to hear about? Submit your episode request here: https://commondescentpodcast.com/request-a-topic/ We're an Audible Affiliate Partner! Use this link for a 30-day free trial to Audible: https://www.audibletrial.com/CommonDescent Or make a one-time donation via PayPal: https://tinyurl.com/4c68u4hp Find merch at the Common Descent Store! http://zazzle.com/common_descent Join the Common Descent Discord server! https://discord.gg/CwPBxdh9Ev Follow and Support us on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/CommonDescentPC Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/commondescentpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/commondescentpodcast/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCePRXHEnZmTGum2r1l2mduw PodBean: https://commondescentpodcast.podbean.com/ You can email us at commondescentpodcast(at)gmail.com Or send us physical mail at: The Common Descent Podcast 1735 W State of Franklin Rd. Ste 5 #165 Johnson City, TN 37604 The Intro and Outro music is “On the Origin of Species” by Protodome. More music like this at http://ocremix.org. Musical Interludes are "Professor Umlaut" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Earth's oceans change over time, not just in their size and shape, but also in the very dynamics of their ecosystems. The stage was set for modern ocean ecosystems by an event called the Mesozoic Marine Revolution, a dramatic restructuring of ecology in shallow seas that saw the rise of many forms of active predatory lifestyles. This episode, we discuss the fossil evidence, the major players, and the ongoing and sometimes contentious research into this crucial period. In the news: early arthropods, early apes, prehistoric ravens, and long-necked marine reptiles. Time markers: Intro & Announcements: 00:00:00 News: 00:07:00 Main discussion, Part 1: 00:35 :00 Main discussion, Part 2: 01:18:35 Patron question: 01:51:00 Check out our blog for bonus info and pictures: http://commondescentpodcast.com/ Join us on Patreon to support the podcast and enjoy bonus content! https://www.patreon.com/commondescentpodcast Got a topic you want to hear about? Submit your episode request here: https://commondescentpodcast.com/request-a-topic/ We're an Audible Affiliate Partner! Use this link for a 30-day free trial to Audible: https://www.audibletrial.com/CommonDescent Or make a one-time donation via PayPal: https://tinyurl.com/4c68u4hp Find merch at the Common Descent Store! http://zazzle.com/common_descent Join the Common Descent Discord server! https://discord.gg/CwPBxdh9Ev Follow and Support us on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/CommonDescentPC Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/commondescentpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/commondescentpodcast/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCePRXHEnZmTGum2r1l2mduw PodBean: https://commondescentpodcast.podbean.com/ You can email us at commondescentpodcast(at)gmail.com Or send us physical mail at: The Common Descent Podcast 1735 W State of Franklin Rd. Ste 5 #165 Johnson City, TN 37604 The Intro and Outro music is “On the Origin of Species” by Protodome. More music like this at http://ocremix.org. Musical Interludes are "Professor Umlaut" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/