Ancient DNA -- What It Is and What It Could Be: Beth Shapiro at TEDxDeExtinction

Beth Shapiro is a Professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, at the University of California Santa Cruz. As an evolutionary biologist she uses genomics to better understand the complex relationship between environment and the evolution of species. A pioneer in the young field called “ancient DNA,“ Beth travels extensively in the Arctic collecting bones of long-dead creatures including mammoths, horses, and extinct giant bears. Using DNA extracted from these remains, she hopes to learn how environment drives evolution, and why some species may be more susceptible than others to extinction. To learn more about de-extinction, please visit Revive & Restore (the organizer of TEDxDeExtinction) here: In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connect