Science Videos for Kids

Dr. Nicholas D. Pyenson

Nicholas D. Pyenson, curator of fossil marine mammals at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, brought marine mammals' terrestrial ancestors to life during the symposium "Evolution of Giants: The Great Whales" at the 2013 AAAS Annual Meeting in Boston.

About Dr. Nicholas D. Pyenson

Dr. Nicholas D. Pyenson studies how ancient marine mammals evolved from land animals into sea dwellers. His research plays a key role in the understanding of why today's marine life is so diverse. As curator of fossil marine mammals at Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C., he manages a large collection of fossil skeletons of whales and other sea creatures. Dr. Pyenson received his Ph.D. from the University of California – Berkeley.

More Information

Description of Dr. Pyenson's presentation at the 2013 AAAS Annual Meeting >>

Dr. Pyenson's Lab >>

Dr. Pyenson's Smithsonian Institution staff profile >>