Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute

BMI165th Birthday Devonshire Tea Party
2024-05-26 15:00 - 16:30 (Australia/Melbourne) | BMI – Humffray Room, 117-119 Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, VIC, 3350, Australia
The Secret History of Sharks with Professor John Long | National Science Week

August 15

@

6:00 pm

-

7:30 pm

$8 – $11

Minerva Space

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Join us for an evening with internationally renowned palaeontologist Professor John Long as he dives deep into the mysterious past of one of nature’s most formidable creatures — the shark! As part of National Science Week, Professor Long will present his groundbreaking new book, The Secret History of Sharks: The Rise of the Ocean’s Most Fearsome Predators, a fascinating journey through 500 million years of evolution. From ancient megalodons to fearsome great whites, Professor Long unearths the remarkable story of how sharks came to rule the seas — and what they can teach us about our planet’s ancient history. Prepare for a captivating presentation perfect for curious minds of all ages. As a special treat, Professor Long will also be bringing along real fossil specimens, including a real fossil tooth of a megalodon – the largest shark to have ever lived! This event is family-friendly, and budding young palaeontologists are warmly encouraged to attend! It’s a rare chance to see real prehistoric fossils up close and hear firsthand from one of Australia’s most respected science communicators. If you’re keen to sink your teeth into The Secret History of Sharks, Professor Long will be available for a book signing following the presentation.

Speaker:John Long

Prof John Long is Strategic Professor in Palaeontology at Flinders. His research investigates the early evolution of vertebrates, showing how fishes first developed many of the anatomical structures and behaviours now associated with terrestrial animals, such a limbs, digits, lungs, endocranial structures, breathing and advanced sexual reproduction. Some of his most recent contributions are the on the origins of digits first appearing in the Devonian fish Elpistostege (a collaboration with Richard Cloutier, University of Quebec), and how the braincase development influenced brain shape in coelacanth fishes (with Hugo Dutel, Bristol University). Both studies were published in Nature recently.

Professor John Long

Tickets and Bookings

Tiekcts: General Admission, adults – $11 | Child – $8 | BMI Members $8, includes gst, plus booking fee.

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This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work, learn and create. Always Was, Always Will Be, Aboriginal Land.

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