Skip to main content
Back to Show
Human Footprint

How An Ancient Ocean Shaped Us History

From ancient seas to fertile soils, evolutionary biologist Shane Campbell-Staton explores the remarkable journey that transformed the Cretaceous coastline into the fertile “Black Belt” region of the American South. He joins oceanographer Craig McClain, professor Sven Beckert, and geneticist Steven Micheletti to learn how millions of years of deposits shaped the events of Black American history.

Support Provided By
Human Footprint Season 1
Unlock with PBS Passport
54:53
Shane explores the Human Footprint of cotton, from ancient rocks to 21st-century politics.
The Urban Jungle
Unlock with PBS Passport
55:12
Shane explores three thriving urban species and envisions a wilder future for our cities.
The Replacements
Unlock with PBS Passport
55:21
Shane meets five species that made allies of humans.
Man's Best Friend
Unlock with PBS Passport
55:23
Shane’s love of dogs turns to awe as he discovers their profound impacts on humans.
Top Predator
Unlock with PBS Passport
55:24
From Yellowstone to Mozambique, discover the impact of the planet’s Top Predator: us.
Earth Month
Strangers In Paradise
Unlock with PBS Passport
55:11
Shane tracks down four invasive species that make him reconsider what it means to belong.
Active loading indicator