From Fish to Humans: The Evolution of Vertebrates

This lecture recording can be found on the Available Recordings page approximately two business days after the event and will remain accessible for three weeks.

Neil Shubin, a leading paleontologist and evolutionary biologist, will trace the deep history of our own bodies in "From Fish to Humans: The Evolution of Vertebrates", drawing on decades of field expeditions and groundbreaking research that link fossils, genetics, and development to reveal how major anatomical innovations first emerged. His work—from uncovering transitional species like Tiktaalik to analyzing how fins, limbs, joints, and sensory systems evolved—shows how shifts in ancient ecosystems during pivotal periods such as the Devonian and Triassic shaped the rise of vertebrate diversity, including the traits we carry today. By weaving together discoveries from Canada to Greenland with insights from modern developmental biology, Shubin illuminates the shared blueprint that connects humans to the earliest lobe‑finned fish and demonstrates how evolutionary processes continue to shape life across millions of years.

The University Book Store will be onsite selling the speaker's book at the event.