PHOTOS: M. WELTON

SATURDAY, July 20, 2024 1:00 PM

FISH CAME FIRST

Dr. Ross Beauchamp

University of Waterloo, Retired Professor, Optometry & Biology

University of Victoria, Retired Adjunct Professor, Psychology 

This talk describes how 500 million years ago (MYA), teleost fish began the process of inventing the vertebrate body which now dominates the animal kingdom, both marine and terrestrial. These fish developed longlasting innovations in vision and many other critical body systems. New data on the genome of the lungfish indicates that these teleost-related fish were the ancestors of all land-based vertebrates including humans. This explains the many similarities between fish and human anatomy, including their eyes. In his research on the brain systems responsible for colour vision, Ross had extended contact with one teleost fish species, goldfish, chosen because the usual animals used in medical research, like mice, are colour blind. 

A researcher, professor, and clinical neuropsychologist, Ross has had a lifetime of studying, teaching and counselling in the field of brain and behaviour science. He is a part-time Saturna resident. 

Saturna
Community Hall
$15 at the door
18 & under are free
refreshments

Dr. Ross Beauchamp

 Dr. Ross Beauchamp

Fish came first small