the faculty of science and environmental studies science speaker series
the faculty of science and environmental studies proudly presents dr. grant zazula, paleontologist with the government of yukon, for the talk, "frozen woolly mammoths and ice age megafauna from the yukon permafrost".
frozen fossils of woolly mammoths, cave lions, giant bears and other incredible ice age megafauna have been unearthed from the permafrost in the traditional territory of the tr’ondëk hwëch’in by yukon gold miners for over a century. these fossils provide evidence of how populations of ancient animals responded to past periods of climate change and how present-day ecosystems were established in the north. this presentation will discuss the relationships between klondike gold miners, first nations communities and scientists in the collection, study and interpretation of internationally significant, ice age fossils from the yukon. recently uncovered, permafrost preserved mummified bodies of ancient animals will be highlighted for their role in how palaeontology is advancing reconciliation efforts with yukon first nations.
about the speaker
since 2006, dr. zazula has played a key role in advancing the understanding of ice age ecosystems in northwestern canada, specifically ice age beringia. he has also brought attention to the role of climate change impacts on northern environments in canada and beyond. his research has been fundamental in unravelling major research questions surrounding ice age beringia. with over 80 published papers in top scientific journals, his work has provided crucial insights into the extinctions, extirpations, and functioning of northern ice age ecosystems during the late pleistocene. dr. zazula is committed to sharing his knowledge with the public. his work in exhibit development, including the redevelopment of displays at the yukon beringia interpretive centre in 2023, public presentations, popular books, and media interactions have helped bring complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences. he has received multiple awards for his research, including the 2024 bruce naylor award from the alliance of natural history museums in canada.