Alle afleveringen
392 afleveringen, van nieuw naar oud
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Cute-E - Tribbles
31 oktober 2026 · 58 min
Welcome … to Cute-E! Lees meer
During our Spook-E series, we speculate on the evolution of monsters from myth and popular media, but we leave out fiction’s more adorable creatures. In Cute-E, we choose cuddlier critters and discuss how they – or something like them – could evolve here on Earth, pulling inspiration from real-world species across our planet’s history. This year’s theme is Aliens!
This episode, we’re overrun with cuteness! What evolutionary history could lead to pesky swarms of irresistibly adorable fuzzballs? Our creatures to create this time: Tribbles.
Join the Common Descent Discord server for more Spook-E discussion! https://discord.gg/CwPBxdh9Ev
Join us on Patreon to support the podcast and enjoy bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/commondescentpodcast
More ways to connect with us: https://commondescentpodcast.com/
The Intro and Outro music is “On the Origin of Species” by Protodome. More music like this at http://ocremix.org.
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Episode 255 - Plant Origins
25 oktober 2026 · 2 uur 19 min
Here on our blue-and-green planet, the green is plants. This episode, Aly joins us again to explore the beginnings of this all-important group of life. We’ll discuss which ancestors gave rise to true plants, what the fossil record tells us about the timing of this momentous event, and the array of key adaptations that allowed plants to join their fungus and animal cousins up on dry land. Lees meer
In the news: mosasaurs, more mosasaurs, Jurassic mammals, and horned dinosaurs.
Time Markers:
Intro & Announcements: 00:00:00
News: 00:05:25
Main discussion, Part 1: 00:47:35
Main discussion, Part 2: 01:16:05
Patron question: 02:05:35Join us on Patreon to support the podcast and enjoy bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/commondescentpodcast
Check out our website for this episode’s blog post and more: http://commondescentpodcast.com/
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
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Spook-E - Andalites
24 oktober 2026 · 54 min
Welcome ... to Spookulative Evolution. Lees meer
It’s Spook-E Season! All throughout October, we pick monsters from myth and media and speculate how they – or something like them – could evolve here on Earth, pulling inspiration from real-world species across our planet’s history. This year’s theme is Aliens!
Our final Spook-E creature for this season comes from sci-fi young adult fiction! How in the world (Earth, specifically) could evolution explain furry, centaur-shaped telepaths? Our creatures to create this time: Andalites.
Join the Common Descent Discord server for more Spook-E discussion! https://discord.gg/CwPBxdh9Ev
Join us on Patreon to support the podcast and enjoy bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/commondescentpodcast
More ways to connect with us: https://commondescentpodcast.com/
The Intro and Outro music is “On the Origin of Species” by Protodome. More music like this at http://ocremix.org.
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Spook-E - Headcrabs
17 oktober 2026 · 1 uur 10 min
Welcome ... to Spookulative Evolution. Lees meer
It’s Spook-E Season! All throughout October, we pick monsters from myth and media and speculate how they – or something like them – could evolve here on Earth, pulling inspiration from real-world species across our planet’s history. This year’s theme is Aliens!
This time, we pull an extra-dimensional horror from the world of video games. What might lead natural processes to develop creepy-crawly parasite-hats? Our creates to create this time: Headcrabs.
Join the Common Descent Discord server for more Spook-E discussion! https://discord.gg/CwPBxdh9Ev
Join us on Patreon to support the podcast and enjoy bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/commondescentpodcast
More ways to connect with us: https://commondescentpodcast.com/
The Intro and Outro music is “On the Origin of Species” by Protodome. More music like this at http://ocremix.org.
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Episode 254 - Abelisaurs
11 oktober 2026 · 2 uur 13 min
During the Cretaceous Period, while tyrannosaurs stomped around the northern continents, the less famous abelisaurs were the top predatory dinosaurs of the south. This episode, we piece together the history and diversity of these predators, and we explore what they were doing with their bulldog faces, tiny arms, and in some cases, horned faces. Lees meer
In the news: plesiosaur vomit, seaweed snacks, bat evolution, and flying dinosaurs.
Time Markers:
Intro & Announcements: 00:00:00
News: 00:07:10
Main discussion, Part 1: 00:42:30
Main discussion, Part 2: 01:14:40
Patron question: 02:03:10Join us on Patreon to support the podcast and enjoy bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/commondescentpodcast
Check out our website for this episode’s blog post and more: http://commondescentpodcast.com/
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
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Spook-E - Greys
10 oktober 2026 · 1 uur 2 min
Welcome ... to Spookulative Evolution. Lees meer
It’s Spook-E Season! All throughout October, we pick monsters from myth and media and speculate how they – or something like them – could evolve here on Earth, pulling inspiration from real-world species across our planet’s history. This year’s theme is Aliens!
This episode, we explore the mysterious beings (supposedly) in our own backyard! What evolutionary path can we devise for round-headed, eerie beings lurking just beyond our understanding? Our creatures to create this time: Greys.
Join the Common Descent Discord server for more Spook-E discussion! https://discord.gg/CwPBxdh9Ev
Join us on Patreon to support the podcast and enjoy bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/commondescentpodcast
More ways to connect with us: https://commondescentpodcast.com/
The Intro and Outro music is “On the Origin of Species” by Protodome. More music like this at http://ocremix.org.
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Spook-E - Xenomorphs
3 oktober 2026 · 1 uur 42 min
Welcome ... to Spookulative Evolution. Lees meer
Spook-E Season is back! All throughout October, we pick monsters from myth and media and speculate how they – or something like them – could evolve here on Earth, pulling inspiration from real-world species across our planet’s history. This year’s theme is Aliens!
Where better to begin than with the quintessential big screen terrors from beyond the stars? How might Earth-based evolution produce a human-hunting monster that’s equal parts predator and parasitoid? Our creatures to create this time: Xenomorphs.
Join the Common Descent Discord server for more Spook-E discussion! https://discord.gg/CwPBxdh9Ev
Join us on Patreon to support the podcast and enjoy bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/commondescentpodcast
More ways to connect with us: https://commondescentpodcast.com/
The Intro and Outro music is “On the Origin of Species” by Protodome. More music like this at http://ocremix.org.
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Episode 253 - Kangaroos
27 september 2026 · 2 uur 43 min
Kangaroos – and their wallaroo and wallaby cousins – are some of the most recognizable, charismatic, and impressively strange mammals on the planet. This episode, we explore the surprising diversity of this group, we discuss how they manage to be world’s pre-eminent hoppers, and we delve into some of their unexpected fossil relatives. Lees meer
In the news: warm tyrannosaurs, sea star ancestors, traveling dinosaurs, and new cats.
Time Markers:
Intro & Announcements: 00:00:00
News: 00:06:35
Main discussion, Part 1: 00:50:30
Main discussion, Part 2: 01:36:40
Patron question: 02:32:45Join us on Patreon to support the podcast and enjoy bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/commondescentpodcast
Check out our website for this episode’s blog post and more: http://commondescentpodcast.com/
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
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Episode 252 - The Ice Age
13 september 2026 · 2 uur 11 min
About 10% of the Earth’s land surface is currently covered in persistent glacial ice, but for most of Earth history, that number was much closer to zero. This episode, we explore what happens when ice overtakes our planet and how we investigate icy conditions of the distant past, and we’ll take a close look at the most recent (and ongoing) global climate event that we commonly call the Ice Age. Lees meer
In the news: distant space objects, snake embryos, Jurassic chirps, and polar dinosaur nests.
Time Markers:
Intro & Announcements: 00:00:00
News: 00:05:35
Main discussion, Part 1: 00:40:35
Main discussion, Part 2: 01:16:45
Patron question: 02:02:10Join us on Patreon to support the podcast and enjoy bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/commondescentpodcast
Check out our website for this episode’s blog post and more: http://commondescentpodcast.com/
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
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Episode 251 - The Sun
30 augustus 2026 · 2 uur 44 min
The Sun is kind of a big deal. It is the center of our solar system, around which all other objects revolve, and its heat and light are responsible for the life-supporting conditions here on Earth. This episode, we take a close look at how the Sun actually works and what makes it different from other stars. Then, we track the lifetime of the Sun, exploring how it originally formed, how it has changed over its lifetime, and how it will eventually burn out. Lees meer
In the news: carnivorous plants, ancient burrowers, live birth, and reptile metabolism.
Time Markers:
Intro & Announcements: 00:00:00
News: 00:07:50
Main discussion, Part 1: 00:46:30
Main discussion, Part 2: 01:47:40
Patron question: 02:37:05💗
https://imaginationlibrary.com/the-dollywood-foundation/Join us on Patreon to support the podcast and enjoy bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/commondescentpodcast
Check out our website for this episode’s blog post and more: http://commondescentpodcast.com/
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
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Episode 250 - Camels
16 augustus 2026 · 2 uur 22 min
Large, herbivorous mammals come in many shapes and sizes, but few are as famously unusual as camels. This episode, we explore the surprising adaptations of Old World and New World camelids, from the dromedaries of Middle Eastern deserts to the llamas of the Andean highlands. Then, we take a tour through their fossil record to investigate the many forms this family took on the way to our modern diversity. Lees meer
In the news: stomach stones, aquatic reptiles, tiny dinosaurs, and a Poop Explosion.
Time Markers:
Intro & Announcements: 00:00:00
News: 00:06:20
Main discussion, Part 1: 00:42:30
Main discussion, Part 2: 01:21:40
Patron question: 02:11:05Join us on Patreon to support the podcast and enjoy bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/commondescentpodcast
Check out our website for this episode’s blog post and more: http://commondescentpodcast.com/
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
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Episode 249 - Sexual Dimorphism
2 augustus 2026 · 2 uur 57 min
In most animal species, there are differences in the anatomy, behavior, and lifestyle of male and female individuals. In this episode, we explore the incredible variety of these differences and the equally incredible blurry areas between the sexes, we investigate the evolutionary processes behind these features, and we examine the constant and confounding discussion about whether or not we can spot sexual dimorphism in the fossil record. Lees meer
In the news: The Story of Birds, early snakes, and early archosaurs.
Time Markers:
Intro & Announcements: 00:00:00
News: 00:05:40
Main discussion, Part 1: 00:42:45
Main discussion, Part 2: 01:34:40
Patron question: 02:45:00Join us on Patreon to support the podcast and enjoy bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/commondescentpodcast
Check out our website for this episode’s blog post and more: http://commondescentpodcast.com/
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
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Episode 248 - Big Cats
19 juli 2026 · 2 uur 56 min
Felines come in all shapes and sizes, but only a handful of them are large enough and in charge enough to have earned the title of “Big Cats.” This episode, we’re joined by special guest Lindsay Nikole as we take a tour through the surprising diversity of the “official” and “unofficial” big cats, and we explore how their evolutionary past has shaped this impressive assortment of apex predators. Lees meer
Find more of Lindsay here: https://www.youtube.com/@LindsayNikole
And shout-out to the Cheetah Conservation Fund: https://cheetah.org/In the news: giant sharks, early movements, Cretaceous fruits, and snake venoms.
Time Markers:
Intro & Announcements: 00:00:00
News: 00:06:55
Main discussion, Part 1: 00:46:15
Main discussion, Part 2: 01:43:00
Patron question: 02:42:05Join us on Patreon to support the podcast and enjoy bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/commondescentpodcast
Check out our website for this episode’s blog post and more: http://commondescentpodcast.com/
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
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Snake Stuff with Ali Ashraf
16 juli 2026 · 57 min
Happy Snake Month! Lees meer
In this bonus episode, we're joined by friend of the podcast Ali Ashraf to talk about his research on the distribution and evolution of water snakes!
This month only! Join the Snakes & Crocs Tier on our Patreon to receive a Snake Month sticker and to contribute to charitable donations toward reptile and other wildlife conservation!
www.patreon.com/commondescentpodcastThis year, our donations are going toward:
Save the Snakes
https://savethesnakes.org/
The Crocodile Research Coalition
https://crocodileresearchcoalition.org/
The Natural Resources Defense Council
https://www.nrdc.org/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
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Episode 247 – Vipers
5 juli 2026 · 3 uur 16 min
Happy Snake Month! Lees meer
Some of the most fascinating, famous, and dangerous snakes on the planet belong to the family Viperidae. Vipers include some of the world’s most specialized ambush hunters, and they are one of the most diverse and successful groups of snakes. This episode, we take a tour through the many visages of vipers, we explore their unique adaptations from head to tail, and we investigate the deep history that led them to their incredible modern success.
In the news: colorful crocs, pregnant mussels, tiny migration, and surprising snakes.
Time markers:
Intro & Announcements: 00:00:00
News: 00:04:45
Main discussion, Part 1: 00:40:25
Main discussion, Part 2: 01:26:15
Patron question: 03:04:40With the help of our Patrons, we’ll be donating this year to:
Save the Snakes https://savethesnakes.org/
The Crocodile Research Coalition https://crocodileresearchcoalition.org/
The Natural Resources Defense Council https://www.nrdc.org/Join us on Patreon to support the podcast and enjoy bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/commondescentpodcast
Check out our website for this episode’s blog post and more: http://commondescentpodcast.com/
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
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Episode 246 - Gharials
21 juni 2026 · 2 uur 24 min
Happy Croc Month! Lees meer
Most living crocodilian species look pretty similar overall – that’s why there are so many tips for telling alligators from crocodiles – but one group really stands out with their bulging eyes and remarkably slender snouts. This episode, we explore the various features and habits that make gharials unique among crocs, and which have caused no end of confusion for scientists trying to sort out their evolutionary history. And, of course, we’ll take a trip into the fossil record to visit some of the most extraordinary long-snouted crocs of the distant past.
In the news: hagfish eyes, dinosaur arms, fungal spores, and fishing dinosaurs.
Time markers:
Intro & Announcements: 00:00:00
News: 00:06:45
Main discussion, Part 1: 00:40:30
Main discussion, Part 2: 01:09:35
Patron question: 02:12:00With the help of our Patrons, we’ll be donating this year to:
The Crocodile Research Coalition https://crocodileresearchcoalition.org/
Save the Snakes https://savethesnakes.org/
The Natural Resources Defense Council https://www.nrdc.org/Join us on Patreon to support the podcast and enjoy bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/commondescentpodcast
Check out our website for this episode’s blog post and more: http://commondescentpodcast.com/
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
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Croc Chat with Maddie Turala
17 juni 2026 · 57 min
Happy Croc Month! Lees meer
In this bonus episode, we're joined by friend of the podcast Maddie Turala to talk about her research on estimating body size in fossil alligators!
This month only! Join the Crocs & Snakes Tier on our Patreon to receive a Croc Month sticker and to contribute to charitable donations toward reptile and other wildlife conservation!
www.patreon.com/commondescentpodcastThis year, our donations are going toward:
The Crocodile Research Coalition
https://crocodileresearchcoalition.org/
Save the Snakes
https://savethesnakes.org/
The Natural Resources Defense Council
https://www.nrdc.org/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
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Episode 245 - Cycads
7 juni 2026 · 2 uur 15 min
Cycads are cousins of conifers, and although they can be found throughout the modern tropics, they are often considered a visual indicator of prehistory. This episode, Aly joins us to explore what sets cycads apart from other plants, what we know of their deep history, and whether they truly deserve their reputation as dinosaur food. Lees meer
In the news: toothless crocs, Arctic mammals, turtle relations, and crater life.
Time markers:
Intro & Announcements: 00:00:00
News: 00:10:35
Main discussion, Part 1: 00:41:00
Main discussion, Part 2: 01:25:55
Patron question: 02:00:45Check 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
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Episode 244 - Sea Turtles
24 mei 2026 · 2 uur 28 min
Most modern turtles are pretty good in the water, but only some are truly ocean-dwellers. This episode, we explore the unique and diverse lifestyles and anatomy of modern sea turtles, then we take a tour of turtles through time, visiting the surprising number of ancient lineages that have taken to the seas and the surprising forms some of them have taken. Lees meer
In the news: twisted jaws, early centipedes, Ediacaran microbes, and Neanderthal teeth
Time markers:
Intro & Announcements: 00:00:00
News: 00:04:45
Main discussion, Part 1: 00:43:50
Main discussion, Part 2: 01:30:10
Patron question: 02:14:60Happy World Turtle Day! https://worldturtleday.org/
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
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Episode 243 - Burrowers
10 mei 2026 · 2 uur 23 min
A lot of life on Earth happens underground. This episode, we sample the species that have taken to a life of digging in the dirt – and elsewhere – why they do it and what physical adaptations help them along the way. Then, we’ll take a tour of burrows in the fossil record and explore what clues paleontologists can use to determine which ancient critter constructed a given burrow. Lees meer
In the news: malaria history, false octopus, pterosaur tracks, and giant octopus.
Time markers:
Intro & Announcements: 00:00:00
News: 00:05:55
Main discussion, Part 1: 00:45:05
Main discussion, Part 2: 01:17:55
Patron question: 02:12:45Check 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
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Leaf it to Us Season 2 Trailer
1 mei 2026 · 2 min
Leaf it to Us Season 2 is coming! Episode 1 drops on May 7th! Lees meer
You can find Leaf it to Us on any podcast platform!
Consider supporting Leaf it to Us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/leafittouspod
And connect with the community in these places: https://linktr.ee/leafittouspod
The Leaf it to Us theme song is “Late Bloomer” by Devours. Find more from Devours at https://devours.bandcamp.com/
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Silver Screen Science - The Valley of Gwangi (1969)
30 april 2026 · 1 uur 12 min
Silver Screen Science is our series where we explore science on the big screen and beyond. This year, we’re taking a tour through cinematic history with Old School Dinosaurs! Lees meer
This episode, we’re wrapping things up with a tale of cowboys and dinosaurs in The Valley of Gwangi!
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
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.
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Episode 242 - Fire
26 april 2026 · 2 uur 30 min
Earth is a very flammable world. The combination of heat, oxygen, and burnable plants makes fire a constant feature of our planet. Many modern ecosystems thrive in the presence of fire, and lots of plant and animal species have adapted to avoid or take advantage of the flames. This episode, we explore the diverse topic of fire ecology, and we take a tour through the deep history of fire on Earth. Lees meer
In the news: Triassic crocs, anglerfish lures, behavior and evolution, and synapsid babies.
Time markers:
Intro & Announcements: 00:00:00
News: 00:06:30
Main discussion, Part 1: 00:48:25
Main discussion, Part 2: 01:35:05
Patron question: 02:17:55Check 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
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Silver Screen Science - One Million Years B.C. (1966)
23 april 2026 · 1 uur 20 min
Silver Screen Science is our series where we explore science on the big screen and beyond. This year, we’re taking a tour through cinematic history with Old School Dinosaurs! Lees meer
This episode, we visit a classic of mid-century caveman-versus-dinosaur cinema, with One Million Years B.C.
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
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.
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Silver Screen Science - Dinosaur Shorts (Gertie, Slumber Mountain, Fantasia)
16 april 2026 · 1 uur 18 min
Silver Screen Science is our series where we explore science on the big screen and beyond. This year, we’re taking a tour through cinematic history with Old School Dinosaurs! Lees meer
This episode, we compile and compare a handful of dino-themed short films from the early days of dinosaur movies: Gertie the Dinosaur, The Ghost of Slumber Mountain, and the Rite of Spring segment from Disney’s Fantasia.
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
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.
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Episode 241 - Digestion
12 april 2026 · 2 uur 20 min
The world is full of food, but in order to make the most of it, living organisms need to be able to break it down and extract the useful nutrients. This episode, we explore the fundamental process of digestion and the many, many ways that life has adapted this process to various diets. And we’ll take a look at what the fossil record has to tell us about ancient diets and the evolutionary history of digestive systems. Lees meer
In the news: predator bites, coelacanth lungs, Cambrian claws, and squid evolution.
Time markers:
Intro & Announcements: 00:00:00
News: 00:05:55
Main discussion, Part 1: 00:38:10
Main discussion, Part 2: 01:23:30
Patron question: 02:06:50Check 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
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Silver Screen Science - The Lost World (1925)
9 april 2026 · 1 uur 16 min
Silver Screen Science is our series where we explore science on the big screen and beyond. This year, we’re taking a tour through cinematic history with Old School Dinosaurs! Lees meer
This episode, we start things off with the great grand-daddy of dinosaur movies: The Lost World (1925).
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
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.
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Episode 240 - Terror Birds
29 maart 2026 · 2 uur 42 min
For most of the Cenozoic Era, South America was home to an incredible group of predatory birds called phorusrhacids, which included some of the largest carnivorous birds of all time. With their giant axe-like beaks and powerful clawed legs, these giants have gained the nickname “terror birds.” This episode, we explore what makes these birds unique, how they varied across their diversity, and what exactly they were doing with all those terrifying tools. Lees meer
In the news: a bitten plesiosaur, wildflower adaptation, a new croc, and dinosaur parents.
Time markers:
Intro & Announcements: 00:00:00
News: 00:06:25
Main discussion, Part 1: 00:51:30
Main discussion, Part 2: 01:29:30
Patron question: 02:30:05Some helpful links mentioned in the Announcements:
The Trevor Project: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/
The National Immigrant Justice Center: https://immigrantjustice.org/
Pal Humanity: https://chuffed.org/project/122818-support-north-gaza-rebuilding-lives-restoring-hope-with-pal-humanity?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bioCheck 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
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Episode 239 - Nocturnality
15 maart 2026 · 2 uur 14 min
Creatures of the night! The world is a different place in the dark, and a whole array of organisms have adapted to being most active outside of daytime hours. This episode, we’ll explore the regular traits that allow nocturnal animals to get by, we’ll discuss some of the ways nocturnal evolution has shaped living species, and we’ll investigate which – if any – of these traits we can identify in the fossil record. Lees meer
In the news: snake hormones, Australian amphibians, ancient microbes, and baby dinosaurs.
Time markers:
Intro & Announcements: 00:00:00
News: 00:07:25
Main discussion, Part 1: 00:39:15
Main discussion, Part 2: 01:14:30
Patron question: 02:03:45Check 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
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Pok-É – Kyogre, Groudon, and Rayquaza
7 maart 2026 · 1 uur 7 min
Welcome ... to Pok-É! Lees meer
This year is the 30th anniversary of the Pokémon franchise, so we’re picking some of our favorite Legendary Pokémon and speculating upon how they – or something like them – might evolve in real life, pulling inspiration from species throughout our planet’s history!
This episode, we take on the super-ancient Pokémon of Hoenn. How could natural selection result in masters of the sea, land, and sky embroiled in an endless feud? Our creatures to create this time: Kyogre, Groudon, and Rayquaza.
Join the Common Descent Discord server for more Pok-É discussion! https://discord.gg/CwPBxdh9Ev
Join us on Patreon to support the podcast and enjoy bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/commondescentpodcast
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.
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Patron Mini-Episode Compilation #7
3 maart 2026 · 2 uur 24 min
One of the benefits our Patrons can receive is a personalized mini-episode on an animal of their choice! Every now and then, we throw them together into a compilation for all to enjoy! Lees meer
As always, an enormous thanks to all of our wonderful Patrons!
Time markers:
Basal Ornithopods for Aaron: 00:02:00
Orangutans for Justin: 00:22:30
Tardigrades for Jeff: 00:54:25
Trilobites for Timpaxew: 01:16:55
Rauisuchians for Ryan: 01:36:45
Ravens for Bogdraw: 01:56:15Join 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
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Episode 238 - Osteoderms (Skin Bones)
1 maart 2026 · 2 uur 36 min
Some bones are only skin deep! In many species of reptiles, mammals, and amphibians, bones called osteoderms develop within the skin, serving as body armor, additional muscular support, display features, or any number of other functions. This episode, we explore the extraordinary diversity of osteoderm anatomy, we take a tour through the many and varied osteoderms of Earth history, and we investigate a long list of hypothesized functions for these unusual bones. Lees meer
In the news: reptile skin, dinosaur quills, dinosaur bites, and cannibal snakes.
Time markers:
Intro & Announcements: 00:00:00
News: 00:06:25
Main discussion, Part 1: 00:46:35
Main discussion, Part 2: 01:26:35
Patron question: 02:24:05Check 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
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Pok-É – Koraidon and Miraidon
28 februari 2026 · 1 uur 6 min
Welcome ... to Pok-É! Lees meer
This year is the 30th anniversary of the Pokémon franchise, so we’re picking some of our favorite Legendary Pokémon and speculating upon how they – or something like them – might evolve in real life, pulling inspiration from species throughout our planet’s history!
This episode, we take a tour of the Paradox Pokémon. Where on the tree of life could we find a pair of dragons built for battle and all-terrain travel? Our creatures to create this time: Koraidon and Miraidon.
Join the Common Descent Discord server for more Pok-É discussion! https://discord.gg/CwPBxdh9Ev
Join us on Patreon to support the podcast and enjoy bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/commondescentpodcast
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.
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Pok-É – Zygarde
21 februari 2026 · 1 uur 3 min
Welcome ... to Pok-É! Lees meer
This year is the 30th anniversary of the Pokémon franchise, so we’re picking some of our favorite Legendary Pokémon and speculating upon how they – or something like them – might evolve in real life, pulling inspiration from species throughout our planet’s history!
This episode, we grapple with the Order Pokémon. What biological explanations can we find for an ecological guardian of many, many faces? Our creature to create this time: Zygarde.
Join the Common Descent Discord server for more Pok-É discussion! https://discord.gg/CwPBxdh9Ev
Join us on Patreon to support the podcast and enjoy bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/commondescentpodcast
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.
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Episode 237 - The Dinosaur Renaissance
15 februari 2026 · 3 uur 8 min
In the mid-to-late 20th Century, dinosaurs received a major makeover in their scientific and popular image. This episode, Riley Black takes us through the timeline of the Dinosaur Renaissance. We discuss some of the big scientific milestones and the various players which brought dinosaurs into their modern era, and we’ll explore the early signs and lingering notes of this historic shift. Lees meer
In the news: sleepy jellyfish, fast mammals, bird beaks, and dinosaur diets.
Find Riley in these places:
https://rileyblack.net/
https://bsky.app/profile/restingdinoface.bsky.social
https://us.macmillan.com/author/rileyblackTime markers:
Intro & Announcements: 00:00:00
News: 00:07:30
Main discussion, Part 1: 00:53:30
Main discussion, Part 2: 01:43:30
Patron question: 02:56:25Check 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
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Pok-É – Giratina
14 februari 2026 · 51 min
Welcome ... to Pok-É! Lees meer
This year is the 30th anniversary of the Pokémon franchise, so we’re picking some of our favorite Legendary Pokémon and speculating upon how they – or something like them – might evolve in real life, pulling inspiration from species throughout our planet’s history!
This episode, we confront the Renegade Pokémon. From what ancestors might we get a many-limbed monster from a parallel world? Our creature to create this time: Giratina.
Join the Common Descent Discord server for more Pok-É discussion! https://discord.gg/CwPBxdh9Ev
Join us on Patreon to support the podcast and enjoy bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/commondescentpodcast
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.
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Pok-É – Lugia
7 februari 2026 · 58 min
Welcome ... to Pok-É! Lees meer
This year is the 30th anniversary of the Pokémon franchise, so we’re picking some of our favorite Legendary Pokémon and speculating upon how they – or something like them – might evolve in real life, pulling inspiration from species throughout our planet’s history!
This episode, we set our sights on the Diving Pokémon. How might evolution produce a sea-dwelling bird with a knack for stirring up storms? Our creature to create this time: Lugia.
Join the Common Descent Discord server for more Pok-É discussion! https://discord.gg/CwPBxdh9Ev
Join us on Patreon to support the podcast and enjoy bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/commondescentpodcast
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.
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Episode 236 - Chalicotheres
1 februari 2026 · 2 uur 2 min
The Cenozoic Era was home to many unusual ancient mammals, but few so strange as the “gorilla-horses,” the ungulates that swapped their hooves for claws, chalicotheres. This episode, we discuss the features that make these animals distinct and which confused paleontologists for decades, and we go over what is known – and still unknown – about their evolution and lifestyles. Lees meer
In the news: Let’s Botanize, Prototaxites identity, and giant kangaroos.
Find Let’s Botanize here: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/ben-goulet-scott/lets-botanize/9781635869040/
Book preorder promo: https://www.letsbotanize.org/preorder-promo.Time markers:
Intro & Announcements: 00:00:00
News: 00:07:30
Main discussion, Part 1: 00:50:20
Main discussion, Part 2: 01:28:50
Patron question: 01:53:20Check 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
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Episode 235 - Aquatic Plants
18 januari 2026 · 2 uur 38 min
All plants need water, but some take it to the extreme. This episode, Dr. Aly Baumgartner joins us to explore the many life strategies of plants that live in the water. We’ll discuss the adaptations that allow them to lead an aquatic lifestyle, their evolutionary history as seen through genes and fossils, and the benefits that keep leading plants back to water. Lees meer
In the news: fish diversity, ammonite survivors, gut microbes, and hiding dinosaurs.
Time markers:
Intro & Announcements: 00:00:00
News: 00:07:55
Main discussion, Part 1: 00:51:00
Main discussion, Part 2: 01:47:00
Patron question: 02:29:20Check 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
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Episode 234 - Snails and Slugs
4 januari 2026 · 2 uur 24 min
From deep-sea trenches to your home garden, gastropods (snails and slugs) are among the most diverse and successful groups of animal life in Earth history. This episode, we’ll explore what makes these animals distinctive, we’ll touch on their extraordinary fossil record, and we’ll investigate the many evolutionary experiments gastropods have undergone in their anatomy and lifestyle. Lees meer
In the news: squishable ants, false saber-tooths, bee burrows, and baby ankylosaurs
Time markers:
Intro & Announcements: 00:00:00
News: 00:06:30
Main discussion, Part 1: 00:43:55
Main discussion, Part 2: 01:40:10
Patron question: 02:10:25Check 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
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End of the Year Q&A 2025
31 december 2025 · 5 uur 52 min
Happy New Year! Lees meer
Please enjoy our annual question-answering marathon, now longer than ever! Thank you so much to everyone who listens, shares, and supports the podcast.
Check out our website 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/
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
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Episode 233 - Flies and Mosquitoes
21 december 2025 · 2 uur 42 min
Of all the highly successful and capable flying insects in the world, few are as successful or capable as those in the order Diptera. This episode, we’re joined by special guest Brandon Strauss to discuss the distinctive anatomy and varied habits of flies, mosquitoes, and their many two-winged relatives. Then, we’ll peer into the past for a glimpse at the fossil record and dynamic evolutionary history of the group. Lees meer
In the news: long-nosed crocs, river mosasaurs, stampeding sea turtles, and giant snakes
Find Brandon at punk_entomology on Instagram, Bluesky, and Twitch!
Time markers:
Intro & Announcements: 00:00:00
News: 00:05:35
Main discussion, Part 1: 00:38:30
Main discussion, Part 2: 01:38:35
Patron question: 02:25:55Check 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
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Episode 232 - Vertebrate Origins
7 december 2025 · 2 uur 16 min
Today, bony animals are some of the most diverse organisms on Earth, but it wasn’t always that way. This episode, we explore what features distinguish vertebrates from their closest relatives, and we dive into the abundant evidence from genetics, embryology, and the fossil record that gives us a glimpse at how our distant ancestors came to be. Lees meer
In the news: swimming hands, early life, Dunkleosteus jaws, and Neanderthal noses
Time markers:
Intro & Announcements: 00:00:00
News: 00:05:35
Main discussion, Part 1: 00:42:55
Main discussion, Part 2: 01:21:55
Patron question: 02:05:55Check 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
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Episode 231 - Back to the Water (Secondarily Aquatic Vertebrates)
23 november 2025 · 2 uur 43 min
Nearly 400 million years ago, an unusual group of fish gave rise to the first land-dwelling vertebrates. Since then, their descendants have repeatedly moved back into the water. This episode, we explore the many ways these species adapt to the challenges of turning a terrestrial body into one that can survive at sea, and we investigate some of the most famous and confusing cases from the fossil record. Lees meer
In the news: post-extinction oceans, croc eggs, damaged dino tails, and meat-eating dung beetles.
Time markers:
Intro & Announcements: 00:00:00
News: 00:05:45
Main discussion, Part 1: 00:40:15
Main discussion, Part 2: 01:31:35
Patron question: 02:30:30Check 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
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Episode 230 - Pachycephalosaurs
9 november 2025 · 2 uur 16 min
The dome-headed dinosaurs are some of the most iconic ancient reptiles, but they’re surprisingly unexplored compared to other dinos. This episode, we explore what makes these dinosaurs unique, what limits our understanding of them, and the many confounding mysteries that paleontologists have been scratching their heads over, including the question of what exactly they were doing with those thick heads. Lees meer
In the news: the I Know Dino children’s book, giant reptile locomotion, and dinosaur hooves.
Time markers:
Intro & Announcements: 00:00:00
News: 00:08:45
Main discussion, Part 1: 00:46:32
Main discussion, Part 2: 01:12:05
Patron question: 02:05:30Check 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
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Silver Screen Science - Jurassic World: Rebirth (2025)
5 november 2025 · 1 uur 39 min
In this special guest episode of Silver Screen Science, we're joined by Sabrina and Garret of I Know Dino to discuss the science and scientists of the newest installment in the Jurassic franchise: Jurassic World: Rebirth! Lees meer
Find more Common Descent:
http://commondescentpodcast.com/Join Common Descent and I Know Dino on Patreon to support the podcast and enjoy bonus content:
https://www.patreon.com/commondescentpodcast
https://www.patreon.com/cw/iknowdinoLots 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
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Cute-E – Pikmin
1 november 2025 · 59 min
Welcome … to Cute-E! Lees meer
During our Spook-E series, we speculate on the evolution of monsters from myth and popular media, but we leave out fiction’s more adorable creatures. In Cute-E, we choose cuddlier critters and discuss how they – or something like them – could evolve here on Earth, pulling inspiration from real-world species across our planet’s history. This year’s theme is Monsters of Nintendo.
This episode, we pluck precious partners from the soil. What could be the evolutionary background of tiny and colorful workers that blend the features of plants and animals? Our creatures to create this time: Pikmin.
Join the Common Descent Discord server for more Spook-E and Cute-E discussion! https://discord.gg/CwPBxdh9Ev
Join us on Patreon to support the podcast and enjoy bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/commondescentpodcast
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.
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Episode 229 - Myrmecophagy (Ant-Eating)
26 oktober 2025 · 2 uur 21 min
Generally speaking, it’s not a good idea to mess with ants. But several lineages of animals have evolved to be ant-eating specialists. This episode, we discuss anteaters, the suite of adaptations that allow them to focus on ant-eating, and the variety of other species that have evolved similar adaptations for the same purpose. We explore the evolutionary history of ant-eating mammals and even dinosaurs through the fossil record and genetic evidence. Lees meer
In the news: butt-drags, ancient leeches, Neanderthal tracks, and spider genomes.
Time markers:
Intro & Announcements: 00:00:00
News: 00:06:00
Main discussion, Part 1: 00:40:10
Main discussion, Part 2: 01:40:15
Patron question: 02:08:30Check 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
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Spook-E – Metroids
25 oktober 2025 · 1 uur 9 min
Welcome ... to Spookulative Evolution. Lees meer
Spook-E Season is back! All throughout October, we pick monsters from myth and media and speculate how they – or something like them – could evolve here on Earth, pulling inspiration from real-world species across our planet’s history. This year’s theme is Monsters of Nintendo!
This episode, we take the hunt across the stars. What biological explanation can we find for jellyfish-shaped parasites with a complex and terrifying life cycle? Our creatures to create this time: Metroids.
Join the Common Descent Discord server for more Spook-E discussion! https://discord.gg/CwPBxdh9Ev
Join us on Patreon to support the podcast and enjoy bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/commondescentpodcast
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.
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Spook-E – Kremlings
18 oktober 2025 · 1 uur 3 min
Welcome ... to Spookulative Evolution. Lees meer
Spook-E Season is back! All throughout October, we pick monsters from myth and media and speculate how they – or something like them – could evolve here on Earth, pulling inspiration from real-world species across our planet’s history. This year’s theme is Monsters of Nintendo!
This time, we’re sailing with the scourges of DK Isle. What circumstances might lead to the evolution of crocodile-faced humanoid pirates? Our creatures to create this time: Kremlings.
Join the Common Descent Discord server for more Spook-E discussion! https://discord.gg/CwPBxdh9Ev
Join us on Patreon to support the podcast and enjoy bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/commondescentpodcast
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.