Evolution 101
▶ Evolution 101
Every creature that ever lived, including you, has been honed by the powerful force of evolution. Play NOVA's Evolution Lab to learn how it's responsible for the explosion of Earth's biodiversity. https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/labs/lab/evolution/
▶ Training trees
Even basic evolutionary trees reveal insights into how different species are connected. Learn how to interpret and create them in this tutorial. Play the Evolution Lab: http://www.pbs.org/nova/labs/lab/evolution/
▶ Fossils: Rocking the Earth
Fossils reveal connections between ancient and modern organisms, providing strong evidence for evolution. The fossil record shows gradual evolutionary change, physical proof of extinction, species splitting, and transitional forms. By studying fossils, we can trace the development of features in living organisms and understand how life on Earth has evolved over time.
▶ DNA spells evolution
Genetic mutations lead to variations in traits. These variations can provide survival advantages, resulting in new species over generations. For example, brown bears evolved into polar bears due to beneficial mutations.
▶ Biogeography: Where life lives
Biogeography explores the distribution of plants, animals, and organisms across Earth. New islands form habitats for unique species, like Galapagos finches and Hawaiian honeycreepers. Continental drift explains related species on different continents, with Pangaea's breakup separating organisms. Phylogenetic trees help trace species' movements, revealing Earth's dynamic biodiversity.
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