On the Origin of Whales

On November 24th at 7 pm the Vancouver Aquarium will host a special event marking an important anniversary.  On that day in 1859, Charles Darwin’s revolutionary book ‘On The Origin of the Species’ was published. The book offered humankind a new way to look at the natural world, and a new way to look at itself.  Darwin presented overwhelming evidence for a tree of life linking all living things. 

The Vancouver Aquarium will celebrate this historical anniversary with a free public presentation entitled ‘On the Origin of Whales’.  Inspired by Darwin’s original formulation, killer whale expert Dr. Lance Barrett-Lennard, Evolutionary biologist Dr. Arne Mooers of Simon Fraser University and whale paleontologist Dr. Nick Pyenson of the University of British Columbia will offer three perspectives on this elegant story of Evolution by Natural Selection. The session topics include recent and remarkable evidence on whales’ unlikely transition from land to water as well as recent work that sheds light on how new species of whale may come about.  The evening will also include a special appearance by Darwin himself (aka well known Darwin impersonator Dr. Greg Bole. )

Refreshments to follow lecture Session. 

To confirm your seat, email lectureseries@vanaqua.org and put ‘whale’ in the subject line.