In 2023, palaeontologists Bruce Rubidge and Julien Benoit made a sensational discovery in South Africa’s Karoo Basin. After 40 years of meticulous excavation, their team uncovered the oldest site of therapsids – the earliest known ancestors of mammals. In Pangaea, an unrecognisable world, where vast continents were joined as one, dinosaurs, mammals, birds, insects, and flowers had yet to appear on Earth. How similar were these primeval animals to the diverse mammal family we know today? And how did they acquire the traits and behaviours that enabled mammals to conquer the world?
The palaeontological team meticulously reconstructs an ancient puzzle, unlocking the first chapter of the origins of complex life. Join them to explore the groundbreaking discovery that reshapes our understanding of how mammals began their story.
Episode 1: Our ancient ancestors
