281 episodes

Join David and Will as they explore the paleontologists’ perspective on various topics in life and earth history.

Each episode features a main discussion on a topic requested by the listeners, presented as a lighthearted and educational conversation about fossils, evolution, deep time, and more.

Before the main discussion, each episode also includes a news segment, covering recent research related to paleontology and evolution.

Each episode ends with the answer to a question submitted by subscribers on Patreon.

New episodes with new topics every fortnight!

The Common Descent Podcast Common Descent

    • Science

Join David and Will as they explore the paleontologists’ perspective on various topics in life and earth history.

Each episode features a main discussion on a topic requested by the listeners, presented as a lighthearted and educational conversation about fossils, evolution, deep time, and more.

Before the main discussion, each episode also includes a news segment, covering recent research related to paleontology and evolution.

Each episode ends with the answer to a question submitted by subscribers on Patreon.

New episodes with new topics every fortnight!

    Episode 190 - Cicadas

    Episode 190 - Cicadas

    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

    • 2 hrs 13 min
    Silver Screen Science - Jaws

    Silver Screen Science - Jaws

    It’s a new series of Silver Screen Science! As usual, we’re discussing how science is portrayed on the big screen, this time with a new theme: Sharks!
    It’s a series about shark movies, so how could we skip the most famous and influential shark film of all time? – Jaws.
    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/
    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.

    • 1 hr 8 min
    Silver Screen Science - Deep Blue Sea

    Silver Screen Science - Deep Blue Sea

    It’s a new series of Silver Screen Science! As usual, we’re discussing how science is portrayed on the big screen, this time with a new theme: Sharks!
    This time, we’re exploring the monster sharks and suspicious science of a 90s shark classic – Deep Blue Sea.
    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/
    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.

    • 55 min
    Episode 189 - Dromaeosaurs

    Episode 189 - Dromaeosaurs

    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: 00:00:00News: 00:05:20Main discussion, Part 1: 00:33:00Main discussion, Part 2: 01:13:50Patron 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

    • 2 hrs 33 min
    Silver Screen Science - Meg 2: The Trench

    Silver Screen Science - Meg 2: The Trench

    It’s a new series of Silver Screen Science! As usual, we’re discussing how science is portrayed on the big screen, this time with a new theme: Sharks!
    This episode, we’re examining the newest installment in the film series about giant monster ancient sharks – Meg 2: The Trench.
    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/
    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

    • 1 hr 1 min
    Spotlight 2024 - James, Amanda, and Curtis, Palaeo After Dark

    Spotlight 2024 - James, Amanda, and Curtis, Palaeo After Dark

    Welcome to Spotlight 2024! In this series, we’re sitting down with our fellow paleo-podcasters to discuss Science Communication.
    It’s episode two, and our guests are the hosts of Palaeo After Dark: James, Amanda, and Curtis!
    Find Palaeo After Dark at their website: www.palaeoafterdark.com
    Connect with Common Descent: https://linktr.ee/common_descent
    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
    The Intro and Outro music is “On the Origin of Species” by Protodome. More music like this at http://ocremix.org.

    • 1 hr 4 min

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