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Episode details

Radio 4,12 Aug 2020,14 mins

The Genius of Accidents: The Coelacanth - Episode 3

Scientifically...

Available for over a year

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. Produced by Rory Galloway. First broadcast on Wednesday 25 July 2018.

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