When Antarctica Was Green

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Before the start of the Eocene Epoch about 56 million years ago--Antarctica was still joined to both Australia and South America. And it turns out that a lot of what we recognize about the southern hemisphere can be traced back to that time when Antarctica was green.

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[Xnaut]

Just imagine what the last of Antarctica's forests must have been like. The last few terrestrial species would have been clinging to life in a battle for survival they were ultimately doomed to lose. Kinda chilling if you think about it (no pun intended).

[philg]

Imagine all the lakes that have been covered in ice, isolating eco systems for millions of years. Total darkness and freezing waters. Creepy.

[TheHoggcast]

The fact that there was still some southern beach trees hanging on there just 2.5million years ago sends chills down my spine.

[Orangelemonblue]

How scientists gathered all of this information is absolutely incredible

[ariochiv]

It's amazing that we have any fossils from Antarctica at all. It can't be a very forgiving place to go fossil hunting.

[satrioadi]

This is more fascinating than any fantasy worldbuilding I've ever read

[SilverDawnArrow]

Antarctica holds a special place in my heart because my dad's team designed the Halley VI research base (the one on skis) so I grew up learning all about it

[MyCatWearsPanties]

I would love to know about penguin evolution, how they emigrated to Antarctica, and their flightless traits. Also maybe about their contributions to their ecosystems! I love penguins and would love to hear your take!

[ShellymanStudios]

When Antarctica turns green again, expect a lot of fight for it. Someone gonna break that peace treaty.

[adrianortega]

You know, this reminds me of a short story I read some time ago called "The Last Dinosaur", where a few ornithopods manage to survive on Antarctica, only to die out when the continent freezes over. The story followed the titular last dinosaur as it wandered across the snowy wasteland, searching in vain for another member of its kind.

[zzing]

Now I want to hear that the modern cute penguins were once the terror birds of Antarctica.

[ГалсанУчуров]

Pre-historic animals : k gonna poop now
Scientists : Wow! Such an amazing find

I love learning this stuff. You’re such a great host.

[barryjobe]

I really find value in your Eon programs - I think I've seen them all (at least most of them) and I eagerly await each new episode. Kudos!

[quirkyc]

I gotta say im interested in that long ocean journey that what I believe to be India at what looks like breakneck speeds. Any chance we could get an episode about that?

[dank_smirkndchannel]

Antarctic Birds: *sees all terrestrial animals die out around them from the cold* "This is fine."

[ctheforestthroughthetrees]

This entire piece was excellent! I look forward to learning updated information after more recent ice-core samples, and recent discoveries on the Antarctic continent. Well done, PBS!

[alan]

i love this host, the excitement in her voice about the facts she gives is really infectious

[andyjay]

Once went on a guided tour of Patagonia (got as far south as Cape Horn!). The guide said that some of Antarctica's fossil trees were similar to the southern birch forests in Patagonia and New Zealand.

[silvialogan]

I wish that Antarctic would be tropical and green again with full of palm trees and lust forests, but if the whole ice of Antarctica melted, many places would be under water.