Hear what the latest research tells us about WHALES — from amazing new discoveries to ongoing conservation efforts to revealing prehistoric origins — with some of the nation’s top whale scientists in this four-part lecture series.
Where did whales come from?
Dig into the deep past with renowned paleontologist and George Mason University professor, Dr. Mark Uhen. Whales have fascinated humans for thousands of years and have raised many questions for scientists interested in their origins as well. They have been known to be mammals for centuries, but which terrestrial mammals they are related to has been a mystery until quite recently. Discover the origin of whales from their now known terrestrial ancestors, the artiodactyls. See how the behavior and anatomy of these disparate mammals changed from terrestrial omnivores to fully aquatic carnivores and how the modern toothed and baleen whales originated from their ancient ancestors.
Enjoy the lecture (7–8pm) and an evening viewing of the “Blue Whales” special exhibition (open 5–7pm).
Tickets: Series $45, $15 Members; Lecture $15, $5 Members.
Photo by Evan Cantwell/Creative Services/George Mason University