Chris Packham: ‘I Would Sacrifice Myself to a Tyrannosaurus’ – A Bold Statement on Conservation

Evolution is an engaging five-part series featuring broadcaster and naturalist Chris Packham as he reveals the fascinating evolutionary histories of five charming animals. From elephants to ostriches, he guides viewers to the last common ancestor of all life on Earth, using innovative CGI to introduce significant ancestors along the journey.

In an exclusive interview with New Scientist, Chris discusses his ambition to utilize groundbreaking science and stunning visuals to transform our perception of nature from mere affection to genuine appreciation.

Penny Sarche: Chris, congratulations on your new show! What drew you to the project and its theme of evolution?

Chris Packham: We thrive on challenges. Our previous series, Earth, tackled immense time scales and complex events. It captivated audiences, and we realized we could delve into something equally intricate: evolution. This series tackles a concept recognized for its complexity by focusing on five iconic animals, narrating stories about locomotion, intelligence, feeding, and reproduction.

We learned invaluable lessons from Earth. Starting from the first cell to modern-day species, we abandoned traditional classroom methods for a more relatable approach. This allowed us to craft compelling narratives that engage our audience on a personal level, encouraging them to share newfound knowledge.

I found the exploration into each animal’s evolutionary journey fascinating. For instance, with bats, we examine their adaptation to flight, as well as the reasons behind their unique feeding habits.

People are often surprised by simple yet profound questions. We tend to overlook childhood curiosities once we grow up. However, revisiting fundamental questions about nature, like why the sky is blue, can be just as thrilling as uncovering scientific facts.

Another essential aspect is showcasing how these significant animals symbolize evolutionary milestones. CGI enables us to reconstruct elements that were only conceptualized before or known through fossil records. Observing phenomena like gills evolving into jaws reminds us of the wonders of nature.

For example, bats consume half their body weight nightly. Understanding their adaptations, including their ear’s role in feeding, illustrates the marvels of evolution.

It was illuminating to see these concepts brought to life. During my studies, I encountered dusty fossils and theory-laden textbooks. Now, blending CGI with scientific data adds a fresh angle!

Science is a perpetually evolving field. We’ve taken the opportunity to present new understandings through this series. We don’t claim to possess all the answers; instead, we acknowledge various perspectives from scientific communities, adding depth to our storytelling.

How does a deeper understanding of evolution enhance our love for wildlife?

Many misunderstand evolution as a finality. Humans are remarkable—inventive, creative, and resilient. Evolution is ongoing and encompasses all life, reminding us we are part of nature and reliant on it.

It’s imperative we increase our awareness, as human actions harm both nature and ourselves. We must truly care for the environment. Sir David Attenborough has profoundly engaged audiences, instilling deep connections to wildlife, but it’s time to transition from mere affection to vital care. Knowledge fosters appreciation.

If you could time travel for a moment, what would you wish to witness?

I’ve always admired the Tyrannosaurus rex as a child—large and ferocious, yet ultimately extinct. As a kid, I never envisioned understanding its appearance. Today, we have immense paleontological discoveries redefining our knowledge about this creature, including its color and behavior. If given five minutes in a time machine, I’d love to see it live—and possibly experience it firsthand.

What a fascinating thought!

That would indeed be an amusing epitaph!

I appreciate that Evolution isn’t solely focused on renowned species. It also showcases modern relatives and analogues of significant ancestors. Do you have a favorite?

I was captivated by a small velvet worm. Although I had only seen them in books and documentaries, encountering one in person was remarkable.

I found the lungfish equally intriguing. I’ve read extensively about them but never seen footage.

Ah, the lungfish! It’s incredibly unique with its slimy texture and articulated limbs resembling tentacles. Engaging with scientists behind the scenes was particularly enlightening as they shared their insights. We even discussed lungfish for about two hours—I could easily write a dedicated show about them!

You often incorporate science into Spring Watch. Do you believe there’s merit in embedding scientific insights into broader nature programs?

My passion for research ignited early, leading me to publish work before even attending university. Mentors from the scientific community have enriched my understanding, making my collaboration with Spring Watch particularly valuable.

Spring Watch allows us to explore species familiar to the public, such as swallows. A fascinating experiment showed that swallows prefer white feathers for nest lining. This choice is essential because certain bacteria break down specific materials, resulting in higher hatching success rates. Intertwining relatable examples fosters greater connection and understanding among audiences.

I hope viewers leave Evolution feeling inspired and contemplative about the essence of evolution. It’s vital to appreciate the richness of life on this planet and the role we play in its ongoing journey. The opportunities presented by evolution are remarkable—but do we truly want to jeopardize this incredible legacy?

Evolution premieres in the UK on July 13th on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer.