Howard Hughes Medical Institute
The Origin of Species: The Making of a Theory
The heartbreaking story of Alfred Wallace's loss of collected evidence opens this documentary about the development of the theory of evolution. You will find supportive resources to use with the movie in your biology class.
Howard Hughes Medical Institute
The Making of the Fittest: The Birth and Death of Genes
After watching an engaging 13-minute video about the colorless blood of icefish, future ichthyologists examine icefish blood and non-icefish blood (blood samples are simulated with Karo syrup mixtures) to determine advantages of...
Howard Hughes Medical Institute
The Making of the Fittest: Natural Selection in Humans
Sickle cell disease only occurs when both parents contribute the trait, and mostly in those of African descent. Where did it come from? How did it evolve? Tony Allison, a molecular biologist, noticed a connection between sickle cell and...
Howard Hughes Medical Institute
The Making of the Fittest: Got Lactase? The Co-evolution of Genes and Culture
Got milk? Only two cultures have had it long enough to develop the tolerance of lactose as an adult. Learn how the responsible genes evolved along with the cultures that have been consuming milk. This rich film is supplied with a few...
Howard Hughes Medical Institute
The Making of the Fittest: Natural Selection and Adaptation
The pocket mouse can be light brown like the sands of the desert, or dark brown like the volcanic lava flows that are interspersed throughout New Mexico's Valley of Fire. It seems that predators have weeded out light colored mice in this...
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
Evolution Primer #4: How Does Evolution Really Work?
Find out how evolution really works. This video explains the concept of adaptation and natural selection to describe how evolutionary change occurs. We'll find out that natural selection is comprised of four key components; each...
Curated OER
Evolution Primer #1: Isn't Evolution Just a Theory?
What is a theory? Learners are primed for a lesson on theory, science, and the use of scientific evidence as it's used to prove evolution. This is a great video for elementary schoolers and can be used to introduce the concept of...
Curated OER
Intelligent Design and Evolution
This video about a delicate, often controversial topic, does not argue for one area or another, but does talk about the random process versus design of an involved organ. The lecturer talks freely about how infinite complexity such as...
Khan Academy
Introduction to Evolution and Natural Selection
The evidence for natural selection is presented as a random variation of a characteristic allowing a particular strain of organism to survive with a higher probability of successful reproduction. Population change over a short period is...
Khan Academy
Natural Selection and the Owl Butterfly
The lecturer describes how specific characteristics develop. In this case, he discusses eye marking. The impact of environmental factors significantly influences the likelihood of successful reproduction, as favorable genes are more...
Stated Clearly
Can Science Explain the Origin of Life?
How did life on earth begin? Is there a scientific explanation that could show how life arose from chemical reactions? Discover the answers to these questions and more as you watch a basic explanation of the hypotheses currently being...
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.
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...
Stated Clearly
What is Evolution?
Learn about the basics of the mechanism of evolution and the importance of natural selection, and examine evidence showing that we are seeing evolution playing out in every organism we encounter. In an engaging and easy-to-follow video,...
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
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
Charles Darwin, Part 3/3
This delightfully informative series concludes with the publication of DarwinÕs The Origin of Species and subsequent books. This is the final part of a three-part series.
Curated OER
Competition, Predation, and Symbiosis
Each biome has self sustaining communities, but how did these unique and stable communities form? Investigate how these evolved with changing animal interactions.
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
Human Evolution Made Easy
Add this video to your classroom collection! Human evolution is covered from the beginnings of evolutionary theory to the paleo-anthropologists who uncovered a multitude of evidence showing the changes that lead to modern man. Intended...
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...