TED-Ed
The Brilliance of Bioluminescence
Illuminate the darkest corners of your marine biology or life science class with this feature about bioluminescence. Viewers see that luciferase and luciferin combine in a cool, light-producing reaction. This adaptation helps glowing...
Scholastic
Study Jams! Animal Adaptations
Physical and behavioral adaptations are discussed by two teen girls as monarch butterflies flutter by. They also describe the process of natural selection. With colorful animation and relatable teen language, learners are sure to adapt...
Curated OER
Biomes : Tropical Rainforest
Did you know that 50% of the world's species are found in the rainforest, yet rain forests cover just 2% of the earth's surface? Introduce your class to the enchanting world of the rain forest by using this informative, image-rich video....
Curated OER
Evolution Clarification
The extent to which "Fittest" can describe social success versus reproductive success is explored. Evolution may not always lead to a more desirable trait, just the one which best suits the current environment. The idea of intelligent...
TED-Ed
Attack of the Killer Algae
Invasive species can remind us of a horror film! In this video, an algae, popularly used in home aquariums, gets out and takes over coastal ecosystems, destroying the native organisms. The bright side, however, is an example where...
California Academy of Science
Sensitive Alligators
We don't normally think of alligators as sensitive, but in their own unique way, they are far more sensitive than humans. Through a two-minute video, explore the unique adaptation that allows alligators to sense their prey and to...
California Academy of Science
Spiky Sight
Can an organism with no eyes still see? As it turns out for the purple sea urchin, the answer is yes. In a short video, scientists explain why they believe that some sea urchins can use their spikes to visually sense the environment.
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...
TED-Ed
Why Are Blue Whales So Enormous?
Isn't it strange that Earth's largest animal lives on one of its tiniest? Using Sesame-Street-style puppetry, this video explains how this phenomenon happens. Viewers learn that a single mouthful of krill taken in by a whale has the...
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.
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
Life in the Polar Regions
Take a look at the coldest, windiest, and driest place on earth: the arctic! Very few species exist here, and those that do have undergone several adaptations to ensure their survival. Learn about some of these unique animals and their...
Curated OER
The Salt Desert Shrub Ecosystem
Take a peek at one of the harshest ecosystems in the world. Can you guess where it is? It's actually in Wyoming at the base of the Bighorn Mountains! Adapting to this harsh environment has been difficult, and only a few species are able...
California Academy of Science
Penguin Wave
Emperor penguins keep warm at sub-zero Arctic temperatures. How do they do it? Think of the energy generated during a sporting event wave of the crowd, and you will be getting warmer! This short clip shows that tiny, wave-like movement...
Curated OER
STEMbite: Seed Dispersal
Dandelion and maple tree seeds are blown and thrown to show two methods of seed dispersal. The narrator videotapes from his vantage point, his hands visible, but never his face. He examines helicopter blades as a human imitation of...
Curated OER
Biomes: Grasslands
Witness the spectacular imagery of tropical grasslands in this non-narrated video. Read some facts pertaining to this biome in the first minute, and then enjoy a brief glimpse of the wildlife native to the tropical grasslands.
Curated OER
STEMbite: Evolution of Behavior
Drew sneaks up on various animals to show their different behaviors. He discusses the fact that behavioral adaptations evolved over time, just like physical adaptations. Unfortunately the shade of the trees in the first part of the video...
Other
Science How: Powerful Predators Adaptations of Trap Jaw Spiders
Find out how trap-jaw spiders prey on insects using a combination of stealth and power-amplified snapping jaws. [35:05]
Smithsonian Institution
National Museum of Natural History: Qrius: Adaptations Inside the Insect Zoo
This webcast relates the research being done to understand the adaptations insects and other arthropods make to survive in various conditions. [29:15]
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: Evolution of Camouflage
This video segment from Evolution: "Darwin's Dangerous Idea" illustrates the remarkable camouflage of a praying mantis against its leafy backdrop. [0:57]
Howard Hughes Medical Institute
Hhmi: Bio Interactive: The Origin of Species: Lizards in an Evolutionary Tree
In the Caribbean Islands, adaptation to several common habitats has led to a large adaptive radiation with interesting examples of convergent evolution. [17:45]
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: Molly of Denali: Grandpa's Drum
Explore Alaska Native history and culture using the 11-minute story "Grandpa's Drum" in this episode from the PBS Kids series Molly of Denali. As students explore the importance of diverse cultures and honoring traditions, as well as...