Exploring the Life and Work of Peter Ward: A Nautilus Perspective
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Chapter 1: Meet Peter Ward
Upon meeting Peter Ward, one quickly realizes his enthusiasm for marine biology and paleontology. He often remarks, “Notice this beige baseball cap? It was once a dark brown, faded by the thin ozone layer in Antarctica.” This statement highlights his recent expedition to the southernmost continent, where he was excavating nautilus shells that date back 70 million years. His stories about fossil hunting around the globe are captivating. For example, he recounts a surreal experience searching for fossils from the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event at a rocky cliff in Bidart, France, overlooking a beach filled with nude sunbathers. “It was surreal,” he states, as if it were an everyday occurrence. Despite his thrilling experiences, Ward doesn’t boast; he aims to convey the idea that a scientist’s life is an ongoing adventure.
At 63, Ward serves as a professor of Biology and Earth and Space Sciences at the University of Washington. He is recognized as a leading authority on the legendary mollusk that has navigated the oceans for over 500 million years. His notable works include In Search of Nautilus, Rare Earth: Why Complex Life Is Uncommon in the Universe (co-authored with Donald Brownlee), and Under a Green Sky: Global Warming, the Mass Extinctions of the Past, and What They Can Tell Us About Our Future. He is also the inaugural figure in our ongoing Nautilus series, "Ingenious," a video interview that provides a glimpse into the life of a scientist whose research is pivotal to understanding the remarkable marine life and cultural significance of the nautilus.
In conversation, Ward exudes an infectious energy. Much like his spirited brown spaniel, Sammy, who playfully roams his lab filled with nautilus fossils, Ward's thoughts bounce from one topic to another: dinosaurs, neutron bombs, Jimmy Carter, Comet Hale-Bopp, germs that can jump between species, and the impact of climate change. He asserts, “Humans are far more effective than volcanoes at releasing CO2 into the atmosphere.” We asked him to share what motivated him to study the nautilus and how this journey has influenced his life. He graciously shared his insights.
This video titled "Ingenious: Peter Douglas Ward" features an engaging discussion about Ward's research and his passion for marine biology, showcasing the unique attributes of the nautilus.
Section 1.1: The Allure of the Nautilus
Ward’s fascination with the nautilus is deeply rooted in its ancient lineage and ecological significance. The nautilus has been a witness to significant changes in the Earth's environment, making it a valuable subject for scientific inquiry.
Subsection 1.1.1: Understanding Marine Evolution
Section 1.2: The Importance of Fossil Research
Fossils offer crucial insights into the history of life on Earth. Ward emphasizes how understanding past mass extinctions can illuminate current environmental challenges.
Chapter 2: The Impact of Climate Change
As our conversation shifts, Ward reflects on the implications of climate change on marine biodiversity and the lessons we can learn from the past.
The video "Big Think Interview With Peter Ward" delves deeper into Ward's views on climate change and its potential effects on marine ecosystems, enriching our understanding of his research.
Originally published at Nautilus on December 11, 2014.