JRE #565 – Trevor Valle

10/23/2014

This podcast provides a fascinating glimpse into the world of paleontology through the eyes of Trevor Valle, a passionate and engaging paleontologist who shares his experiences working on archaeological and paleontological digs. From encountering mammoth carcasses in Siberia to uncovering whale fossils in downtown Los Angeles, the episode covers a range of topics related to prehistoric life, scientific discovery, and the intersection of human history and natural history.

Provocative topics include the ethical implications of cloning extinct animals, the tension between scientific research and the commercialization of fossil finds, and the impact of cultural beliefs on understanding the past. The podcast explores deep underlying themes of scientific inquiry, the importance of preserving our planet’s history, and the challenges of reconciling scientific evidence with personal belief systems.

Major Topics Discussed:

1. Paleontological Digs and the Importance of Mitigation

   1. Paleontologists are required to be on-site at certain construction projects in California, specifically those involving excavation, to ensure that any archaeological or paleontological finds are protected.
   2. Excavation machinery often damages fossils before they are discovered, leading to a race against time to recover and preserve them.
   3. Trevor’s job involves safeguarding fossils from destruction, often leading to conflicts with construction companies.
   4. The discovery of a five-million-year-old whale fossil in downtown Los Angeles highlights the potential for significant finds even in unexpected locations.

2. The History and Development of Paleontology

   1. Paleontology, as a formal science, emerged in the 1800s, with the discovery of archaeopteryx providing crucial evidence for Darwin’s theory of evolution.
   2. The field has gained increased popularity in recent years due to the influence of media portrayals in movies like Jurassic Park.
   3. Paleontologists are becoming more recognized and valued, breaking away from the stereotypical image of the “nerdy” scientist.
   4. The field continues to evolve and reveal new insights into the history of life on Earth, with ongoing discoveries and technological advancements.

3. Mammoth Discoveries in Siberia and the Controversy of Tusk Hunting

   1. Trevor’s experience in Siberia involved working with a team to uncover a remarkably well-preserved woolly mammoth carcass, complete with soft tissue and hair.
   2. The discovery highlights the potential for learning about prehistoric animals through the study of preserved soft tissues.
   3. The region is also home to a thriving industry based on the extraction and sale of mammoth tusks, which is legal due to the extinction of the animals.
   4. This industry has resulted in a gray market for poaching, with high-stakes conflicts and even violence occurring between hunters and authorities.

4. The Ethical Implications of Cloning Extinct Animals

   1. The possibility of cloning mammoths has gained increased attention in recent years, fueled by technological advancements in genetics.
   2. Trevor argues against cloning mammoths, citing ethical concerns about the potential for suffering and the lack of a suitable environment for their survival.
   3. The environmental changes that led to the extinction of mammoths cannot be reversed, making it impossible to replicate their natural habitat.
   4. The ethical debate over cloning extinct animals highlights the complexities of human intervention in natural processes.

5. The Importance of Scientific Inquiry and the Dangers of Belief Systems

   1. Trevor emphasizes the importance of empirical evidence and rigorous scientific methods in understanding the natural world.
   2. He addresses the common phenomenon of science denial, particularly in the United States, and its detrimental impact on scientific progress.
   3. He emphasizes that scientific inquiry is not a threat to faith but rather a complementary pursuit that seeks to understand the world around us.
   4. He argues that while personal beliefs are valid, they should not be used to distort or deny scientific evidence.

6. The Future of Paleontology and the Impact of Technology

   1. Trevor believes that the future of paleontology will be shaped by technological advancements, particularly in fields like genetics and data analysis.
   2. He envisions a future where access to information and scientific tools will make it increasingly difficult to deny scientific evidence.
   3. He hopes that the advancement of science will eventually overcome the current challenges of science denial.
   4. The podcast concludes with a call for a balanced approach to understanding the world, acknowledging the importance of both scientific inquiry and personal beliefs.

Memorable Quotes

1. “If you ever talk to a paleontologist and they say they’ve never broken, damaged, or otherwise, like, impacted a bone, they’re lying. Those motherfuckers. Yeah. We’ve all done it. It happens.” – This quote reveals the humorous and relatable side of paleontology, acknowledging the occasional mishaps that happen when dealing with delicate fossils.
2. “Nature’s scary, dude. Yeah. Nature’s totally scary. That’s why it’s scary to clone a mammoth. Right? Because who knows what you would what kind of fucking crazy new plague?” – This quote highlights the potential risks and unknowns associated with manipulating ancient genetic material, emphasizing the potential for unintended consequences.
3. “I’m a scientist. I need data. So here I am with these people for a week, the Nanette. And I don’t have my archaeologist, anthropology, buddy, with me, because he’s He’s on a different side of the planet at this point. On the other side of Siberia, still trying to find a mammoth.” – This quote shows the dedication and persistence required for paleontologists to pursue their research, even in challenging and remote locations.
4. “It kinda messes with your head. I mean, even it was we filmed it last year, and it’s just it’s airing on Sunday. And just the thing about is, like, no. This time last year, I was still recovering from, like, poking a mammoth. Recovering. Yeah. Just mentally recovering.” – This quote underscores the profound impact of encountering a creature from such a distant past, leaving an indelible mark on Trevor’s memory and perception.
5. “Science is a tool. You don’t you when when you break a hammer, you you bitch at the tool, but it’s your fault that you didn’t see the crack or anything like that in it. Science is the tool. Use the tool the way it’s the way it’s supposed to be used.” – This quote emphasizes the importance of using science correctly and responsibly, urging listeners to approach scientific inquiry with a critical and open mind.