Your Inner Fish Season 1 Episode 1 Your Inner Fish

In the debut episode of Your Inner Fish, host Neil Shubin takes viewers on a fascinating journey through the evolution of life on Earth, tracing the lineage of humans all the way back to our aquatic ancestors. Drawing on years of his own research as a paleontologist, as well as the latest scientific discoveries from around the world, Shubin reveals the startling ways in which our bodies still bear the imprint of millions of years of evolution.

The episode begins in the remote Canadian wilderness, where Shubin and his team discovered a remarkably well-preserved fossil of Tiktaalik roseae, a creature that lived some 375 million years ago and represents a crucial link in the evolutionary chain between fish and land animals. Using cutting-edge technology such as computerized tomography (CT) scans, Shubin and his colleagues were able to unlock a wealth of information about Tiktaalik's anatomy, behavior, and evolutionary history.

From there, Shubin takes us on a tour of the human body, pointing out the many ways in which our anatomy is similar to that of other animals – including fish. We learn, for example, that the bones in our arms and hands are strikingly similar to those found in the fins of fish, and that our jaws and ears share many features in common with those of ancient sharks.

Throughout the episode, Shubin employs a mix of CGI animation, microscopy, and real-life specimens to illustrate his points, making for a visually stunning and informative viewing experience. Along the way, we meet a diverse array of scientists and experts from around the world, who share their own insights into the mysteries of human evolution.

Perhaps most intriguingly, Shubin highlights the many vestigial features still present in the human body, which serve as reminders of our evolutionary past. These include the remnants of a tailbone, which once helped our primate ancestors maintain balance in the trees, and the "wisdom teeth" that often cause us so much discomfort – but which once played a vital role in our ancestors' diet.

By the end of the episode, viewers are left with a new appreciation for the remarkable history and complexity of life on Earth, and for the many ways in which our own bodies reflect that legacy. With its engaging host, stunning visuals, and informative content, Your Inner Fish is a must-watch for anyone interested in the wonders of science and the natural world.