"BETWEEN FLYING FISH AND ELEPHANT SEALS" with Dr. Carolina Bonin Lewallen & Dr. Eric Lewallen

"BETWEEN FLYING FISH AND ELEPHANT SEALS" with Dr. Carolina Bonin Lewallen & Dr. Eric Lewallen

From The Fur Real Podcast with Mark A Kyle by Mark A Kyle

June 23, 2026 · 58 min · Episode 144

About this episode

This episode features marine biologists discussing the adaptations of flying fish and the genetics of elephant seals, highlighting their research and collaboration in marine science.

Flying fish soar above the ocean. Elephant seals dive to extraordinary depths. At first glance, they couldn't be more different. This week, we sit down with marine biologists Dr. Eric Lewallen and Dr. Carolina Bonin , two scientists whose research intersects in unexpected ways. Eric shares the remarkable adaptations that allow flying fish to glide hundreds of feet above the ocean, while Carolina reveals what elephant seals can teach us through cutting-edge environmental DNA (eDNA) research—including how tiny traces of DNA left behind in seawater are helping scientists better understand marine ecosystems. The conversation also explores surprising discoveries about elephant seal genetics, including evidence suggesting there is little to no sign of inbreeding despite their dramatic population bottleneck. Together, Eric and Carolina discuss how their different areas of expertise complement one another, what collaboration looks like in modern marine science, and how new technologies are transforming the way we study and protect wildlife. From flying fish to elephant seals, this episode is a fascinating look at how two scientists—and two extraordinary species—are connected by a shared…

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