Hunt for the Oldest DNA
Synopsis
Three million years ago, camels roamed through Greenland’s endless forests and our ancestors lived in the trees. It all came to an end with the Ice Ages. What died and what survived, as natural selection shaped the evolutionary tree during this epochal shift from hot to cold? Until now, scientists have known less about the natural world before the Ice Age than they did about the age of dinosaurs, which ended 64 million years ago. A new discovery is set to reveal this lost world, species by species. Led by Danish gene-hunter Eske Willerslev, a team of scientists for the first time in history is sequencing DNA from before the Ice Age. The picture that emerges is of a hot planet, when forests blanketed the Arctic and carbon levels matched those in our atmosphere today. Is this a portrait of our own climate future?
Top Cast
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Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Niobe Thompson
- Screenplay & Story
- Niobe Thompson
- Original Title
- Hunt for the Oldest DNA
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 54m
- Production Studios
- NOVA, PBS, GBH
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Niobe Thompson
Niobe Thompson
Department Leadership Roster
Niobe Thompson
Director
Niobe Thompson
Writer
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Hunt for the Oldest DNA.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Hunt for the Oldest DNA
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Hunt for the Oldest DNA about?
Three million years ago, camels roamed through Greenland’s endless forests and our ancestors lived in the trees. It all came to an end with the Ice Ages. What died and what survived, as natural selection shaped the evolutionary tree during this epochal shift from hot to cold? Until now, scientists have known less about the natural world before the Ice Age than they did about the age of dinosaurs, which ended 64 million years ago. A new discovery is set to reveal this lost world, species by species. Led by Danish gene-hunter Eske Willerslev, a team of scientists for the first time in history is sequencing DNA from before the Ice Age. The picture that emerges is of a hot planet, when forests blanketed the Arctic and carbon levels matched those in our atmosphere today. Is this a portrait of our own climate future?
Who directed Hunt for the Oldest DNA?
Hunt for the Oldest DNA was directed by Niobe Thompson.
Who stars in Hunt for the Oldest DNA?
The principal cast of Hunt for the Oldest DNA includes Sarika Cullis-Suzuki.
When was Hunt for the Oldest DNA released and how long is it?
Hunt for the Oldest DNA was released in 2024 with a total runtime of 54m.