MinutePhysics
Evolution vs. Natural Selection
Clear up the confusion between natural selection and evolution with this cartoon. A hand draws diagrams and scenery as a voice narrates. This little feature is ideal for introducing these two concepts to beginning biologists.
California Academy of Science
Mimic Octopus
The award for the most effective adaptation goes to the mimic octopus, a newly described species. The octopus can change its color, shape, and behavior to mimic flounder, lion fish, sea snakes, and more.
Howard Hughes Medical Institute
The Making of the Fittest: Evolving Switches, Evolving Bodies
How did the stickleback fish, which was once ocean bound, evolve to be able to persist in freshwater lakes? Hear from the scientists who identified the genes and related switches that allowed these survivors to adapt. In addition to the...
Stated Clearly
What is Natural Selection?
Examine exactly what is meant by natural selection, as well as how it works in nature and through the assistance of humans. Presented with fun graphics and simple narration, the complex topic of natural selection is clearly explained in...
TED-Ed
How Did Feathers Evolve?
What do dinosaurs and modern birds have in common? More than you may think. See how scientists figured out the evolutionary relationship between these seemingly disparate animals. Additionally, discover how and why the feather evolved...
Curated OER
Charles Darwin (Part 2)
Part two of this entertaining series looks at Darwin's visit to the Galapagos, his return home, and his determination to support his theories with evidence. What fun!
Curated OER
Charles Darwin, Part 1/3
A wonderfully humorous and irreverent take on the early life of Charles Darwin tracing his struggles at school to his arrival at the Galapagos. Part one of the three-part Greatest Scientists series narrated by Dr. Allan Chapman.
TED-Ed
Digging for Humanity's Origins
"Is this a good evolutionary adaptation, or is it going to lead us to being the shortest lived hominid species on planet earth?" Listen as Kenyan paleontologist Louise Leakey discusses our evolution from common ancestry and her work in...
Curated OER
Natural Selection
It's Mr. Anderson, and he's ready to explain natural selection! Be excited, because he has the ability to make scientific biology and genetic functions in terms of natural selection make sense. With great examples and a clear and gentle...
Curated OER
Cell Biology
Look here for a narrative approach to cells origins and discovery by microscopes. Though it is a slightly older clip, it contains some lovely footage of cells up close. Begin with prokaryotes and move onto eukaryotes and the differences...
TED-Ed
Breaking the Illusion of Skin Color
"What Darwin could not appreciate...is that there is a fundamental relationship between the intensity of ultraviolet radiation and skin pigmentation, and that skin pigmentation itself was a product of evolution." Viewers are provided...
Curated OER
Miracle Planet - Snow Ball Earth 4/5
A snowball earth would stay frozen once frozen; so what melted the ice? A manganese dioxide deposit gives some clue. One scientist focused on volcanic eruptions as contributing more oxygen into the air and warming the earth. This...
Curated OER
The Theory of Evolution Made Easy
Your upper graders will have no problem understanding the Theory of Evolution after watching this comprehensive clip. Multiple examples are used to demonstrate how a species is able to adapt and change over time due to both environmental...
Curated OER
The Origin of Life - Scientific Evidence
Ever wish there was a guest lecturer to help you explain the origins of life? Invite Mr. Anderson into your room with this 14-minute video lecture that describes the origins of life, age of the earth, and how scientists know what they do...
Curated OER
Evolution of Giant Whales
Did you know that there is a place in Egypt called The Valley of Whales? Bascilisaurs fossils can be found all over the Egyptian desert! They were over 12 meters long and evolved into the modern day whale. We see how animators and...
Curated OER
South American Mega-Dinosaurs
Long-necked dinosaurs disappeared on all of the continents around the world after the separation of Pangaea, except for in South America. Along with other animals and plants, the long-necked dinosaur flourished and grew bigger than ever....
Curated OER
Origin and Evolution of Life, Part 3
Continue your exploration of the origin of life with part three of this wonderful five-part series. This episode examines Precambrian fossils found in the Berges Shale. Watch this video to find out the value of this discovery to...
Curated OER
Natural Selection Made Easy
Clear up any confusion related to natural selection and evolution. This straight forward clip explains the differences between natural selection and evolution and sheds light on misconceptions Charles Darwin had about the process of...
Curated OER
Origin and Evolution of Life, Part 4
In part four of this five-part series on the origin of life on Earth, we learn about Charles Darwin and how he developed the theory of evolution. The focus of this video is looking at the evidence that Darwin observed. Perfect for...
Curated OER
Origin and Evolution of Life, Part 1
Start a class exploration explaining the origin of evolution and life on planet Earth with the first of a five part series. Episode one examines the KT Boundary and what it meant in terms of mass extinction. It explores evidence and keys...
California Academy of Science
Understanding Viruses
Evolution occurs on large and small scales, in both living organisms and viruses. By learning the pathway taken by pathogens such as the virus that causes dengue fever, scientists can get one step closer to understanding how to stop...
Curated OER
Who Was Charles Darwin?
ItÕs one of those big Ideas that changes our view of the world and our place in it. DarwinÕs observations lead him to believe that species, including man, change or evolve over time. This short video focuses on his reluctance to publish...
Curated OER
Darwin Biography
Part of "The 100 Most Influential People of the Millennium" - Charles Darwin's study of the beaks of Galapagos finches leads to the Theory of Evolution.
Curated OER
Inside Darwin's Mind
Take a look into Darwin's mind! How did he develop the theory that changed how the world was seen? Using dramatic recreation, direct Darwinian quotes, and narrative explanations, the concept of adaptation is brought to life. This is a...