Chasing the Cambrian Explosion: How the Fossils of Newfoundland Defined the Greatest Biological Revolution in Earth History

As a young PhD student in Newfoundland, I helped propose, and win acceptance of, the definition of the Precambrian–Cambrian boundary in rocks on the southeast coast of Newfoundland. This boundary marks the most significant shift in biological evolution, recording the transition from three billion years of Earth history with only single celled organisms to oceans filled with a great variety of multicellular animals. My talk will explain these important fossils of Newfoundland, and I will discuss how I became an honorary Newfie, including the “language”, cuisine, and humor of The Rock (Newfoundland).

This lecture coincides with the FAC Theatre production of Come From Away, on stage from September 10, – October 4, 2026

Themed Cocktail: Rum from Away
Lecturer: Dr. Paul Myrow, Professor Emeritus, Colorado College
Tickets: $26 ($20 for FAC Members), includes your first drink

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About Libation Lectures

Libation Lectures is lecture series offering an educational twist to the traditional happy hour. Each lecture explores an aspect of the amazing art and artists from various FAC exhibitions and theatre shows, served up with a themed drink to help you really dive deep into the topic!

This lecture is part of the Libation Lectures Spring Series, which includes four lectures:

• Chasing the Cambrian Explosion, Friday, August 14
• A Victorian Gentlewoman in Colorado’s Mines, Friday, September 18
• The Bones of Tradition: The Many Lives of the Day of the Dead, Friday, October 23
• Dreaming of a White Christmas, Friday, November 20