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The coelacanth was discovered 66 million years after its supposed extinction. Adam Hart seeks out the story of how this fossil fish was accidentally found alive.

The coelacanth is a fish that, until 1938, was only known from the fossil record until a young South African curator named Marjorie Courtenay-Latimer found one - only just deceased - on the deck of a fishing boat. Presenter Adam Hart speaks with ichthyologists and curators who knew Marjorie, putting together the story of how a curious mind, determination and a bit of luck saved this 'living fossil' for science.

Producer: Rory Galloway.

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14 minutes

Last on

Tue 7 May 201909:30
BBC Radio 4

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Broadcasts

  • Wed 25 Jul 201813:45
    BBC Radio 4
  • Tue 7 May 201909:30
    BBC Radio 4