We’re all too aware at this moment in time that viruses basically have no redeeming features.  I mean, we’ve even come to think of some bacteria as good but can anyone remember one good thing they’ve ever heard about a virus?  No? Well the answer is somewhat in the question because you have a virus to thank for your ability to remember anything in the first place.  Neil Shubin, evolutionary biologist and author of Some Assembly Required, joins Jonathan to explore how the incredible diversity of life on our planet came to be.