The Origins of Mammals

Animals Archaeology Documentary Expedition History Natural World Science 2025

A team of scientists set off in search of fossils of therapsids in the Karoo region in South Africa; they are the ancestors of the mammals that ruled the world long before the dinosaurs appeared.

Director: Thomas Cirotteau

Photos

Episodes

EP 1

Our Ancient Ancestors

The Karoo desert in South Africa is a major palaeontological site preserving 120 million years of history; it is not mainly dinosaurs that have been discovered here, but the ancestors…

EP 2

The Ultimate Survivors

Fossils in the Karoo Desert unveil the epic tale of therapsids, ancient ancestors of mammals; their survival strategies and evolutionary traits reveal a forgotten chapter of our own story.