Berta portrays the life and evolutionary times of marine mammals -- from giant whales and sea cows that originated 55 million years ago to the deep diving elephant seals and clam-eating walruses of modern times.

This account of the origin and various marine-mammal lineages is set against a backdrop of the changing geologic past and changing climates.

As an evolutionary biologist, her focus is on the role that evolution has played in the marine mammals we see today. It is the thread of evolution and knowledge of the past history of these fascinating mammals that helps us to understand their responses to today’s environmental challenges.

Following the lecture, catch a special screening of the IMAX film Whales, where you’ll meet blue whales, orcas, white whales, and dolphins while following humpbacks as they travel thousands of miles from the krill blooms off the frigid coast of Alaska to calve in the warm waters of Hawaii.

The first Monday of the month, seniors 65+ enjoy the Science Center exhibits, a lecture, and a Giant Dome Theater show at a discount. 10:30am lecture; noon theater show. Seniors $8; adults $17.