This program looks at the evolution of genes and investigates how we can use this understanding to potentially help treat health problems associated with certain genetic diseases, offering those affected the possibility of living longer and much healthier lives.

"One hundred thousand years ago, at least six different species of humans inhabited Earth. Yet today there is only one--homo sapiens. What happened to the others? And what may happen to us? Most books about the history of humanity pursue either a historical or a biological approach, but Dr. Yuval Noah Harari breaks the mold with this ... book that begins about 70,000 years ago with the appearance of modern cognition. From examining the role evolving...

Evolution was not discovered single-handedly, Rebecca Stott argues, contrary to what has become standard lore, but is an idea that emerged over many centuries, advanced by daring individuals across the globe who had the imagination to speculate on nature's extraordinary ways, and who had the courage to articulate such speculations at a time when to do so was often considered heresy.

The deadliest natural weapon employed in the animal kingdom has independently evolved in creatures as diverse as jellyfish, insects, snakes, and even mammals. In this program, scientists show how evolution has adapted venom to fit the needs of the animals who wield it.

All other life forms except humans exist to propagate themselves and pass on their genes; humans alone work to other ends. In this lecture, Richard Dawkins distinguishes between the result of eons of natural selection which has resulted in, say, a bird's tail, whose purpose is to enable the bird to fly-purpose with a survival value-and deliberate design, like an airplane's tail. Dawkins shows the relationship between the two in explaining the evolution...

Epics embody the goals and ethics of a culture and Big History provides insight into the human connection with Earth. Tom Collins of the Religion and Philosophy Department at Lawrenceville School and teacher Bindu Mohanty describe how learning The Universe Story allows high school and college students to experience an expanded sense of self and become mindful of working toward a sustainable future.

Biodiversity describes the incredible variety of life found on our planet. This program explores Earth’s biodiversity, the fundamental processes and characteristics of the Earth’s biological history, the extinction of existing species, and the appearance of new ones, such as Homo sapiens. What are the long-term consequences of human population growth? Are we heading towards a great extinction? Is the Earth’s biological diversity diminishing...

In this documentary, David Attenborough examines descendants of the first mammals to develop during the dinosaur age. By eating insects, they were able to extend their territory and adapt to water and flight habitats. Shrews closely resemble their ancestors, and imitate their foraging hunting techniques. Moles have moved underground, and elephant shrews evade predators by sprinting through a well maintained trail network. Insect hunters that grew...

This lesson explores the similarities and differences between animal and plant cells. Students will learn about the cell membrane, cytoplasm, and nucleus in both animal and plant cells. They will also explore the functions of chloroplasts and cell walls in plant cells and specialized animal cells. The lesson also details levels of organization, including the way animal and plant cells form tissues, tissues form organs, and organ systems form the complex...

Cast away in the Pacific Ocean, the Galapagos Archipelago straddles the equator—a string of over 120 tropical islands that erupted from the deep ocean floor more than 10 million years ago. Those swept here by storms and currents survived incredible odds to find untouched islands free from competition. These hardy pioneers evolved in remarkable ways in what’s known as nature’s greatest experiment.