ACS Monterey Bay Program for June 2003

On the Origin of Cetaceans -
Whales are from Venus; dolphins are from Mars

We've recognized for more than a century that cetaceans - whales, dolphins and porpoises - are mammals whose ancestors were probably semi-aquatic land dwellers. For decades we've appreciated their large brains, social interactions and high degree of adaptation to the marine environment, but the last eight to ten years have really helped to clarify some of the genetic and evolutionary history of these truly remarkable fellow mammals. We're a long way from knowing the whole story, but more chapters are being written all the time by researchers from all over the world. We know the ending (as of today), but the tale of how their ancestors survived, and even succeeded in a medium so inherently hostile to warm-blooded air breathers is truly fascinating, and not just a fluke.

Our speaker, Milos Radakovich, is a consultant, educator, and nature guide who conducts fun and innovative classroom programs as well as walking, cycling, and kayaking tours of the central coast. In 1995, Milos was recruited by the The Ocean Conservancy to act as Director of Training for BAY NET, the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Volunteer Network. Since its debut in December of 1995, BAY NET has trained over 400 volunteer docents in the Monterey Bay area (Monterey Peninsula and Santa Cruz) and at the new elephant seal colony north of Hearst Castle. In that time, they have connected with nearly 500,000 shoreline visitors!

Please join us for what promises to be an informative and entertaining evening.