The Secret History of Sharks
- What
- TALK
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- General information
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Museum Theatre
(Enter via IMAX) - Tickets
Dive into the incredible world of sharks with palaeontologist Professor John Long as he discusses his recent book The Secret History of Sharks: The Rise of the Ocean's Most Fearsome Predators. From ancient megalodons to Great Whites, discover how these apex predators survived for 500 million years, outlasting mass extinctions by evolving unique abilities. Through thrilling discoveries, including fossilised mating sharks and massive toothy giants, Long reveals the extraordinary journey of these creatures. Learn how shark research contributes to medical advancements and the crucial lessons they offer for our survival.
Speakers
John Long
Strategic Professor in Palaeontology, Flinders University
John Long is a strategic professor of palaeontology at Flinders University, home to one of Australia's largest palaeontological research groups. Previously, he served as vice president of research and collections at the Museum of Natural History of Los Angeles County and as Head of Science at Museums Victoria. With over 200 peer-reviewed papers, 25 books, and 150 popular science articles to his name, Long’s research on the evolution of fishes and the origins of sex has been featured in Nature, Science, and Scientific American, cementing his reputation as a leading figure in evolutionary biology.
Moderator
Dr Erich Fitzgerald
Senior Curator, Vertebrate Palaeontology, MUSEUMS VICTORIA
Erich Fitzgerald is a palaeontologist, naturalist, and writer. His research focuses on the evolution and anatomy of marine mammals, but his quest to uncover the history of life has involved sharks, marine reptiles, and penguins (plus other dinosaurs). Erich is leading scientific exploration of fossils in Melbourne’s Bayside suburbs of Beaumaris and Black Rock, as well as Victoria’s iconic Surf Coast. Before joining Museums Victoria, Erich was a Smithsonian Institution Fellow, and he is currently a Research Associate of the Smithsonian Institution, Scientific Associate of the Natural History Museum (London),and Adjunct Associate of Monash University. His first book Triceratops: A Natural History was published in 2022.
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