Darwin Evolving
The significance of Darwin's theory of evolution to biological and social life as we know it forms the impetus for this special series from UCLA. The UCLA Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and the UCLA Center for Genetics and Society sponsor this exciting series.
1. Darwin's Birthday Suit: The Evolution of Human Skin Pigmentation
Nina Jablonski looks at the evolution of human pigmentation. It was noted by Darwin and others that humans who lived closer to the equator had darker skins. Is this a functional adaptation to sun exposure, or is there something more at play here?
2. Finding Your Inner Fish
Dr. Neil Shubin explains how we all contain over 3.5 million years of history in every part of our human bodies.
3. Evolution and Adaptation in Africa
How does the African DNA database allow researchers to take a new look at evolutionary human genetics? Dr. Sara Tishkoff of the University of Pennsylvania explains how this database provides insights into how Africa is the most genetically diverse place on earth.
4. Evolution for Everyone
Professor David Sloan Wilson looks at Darwin's theory of evolution vs. theories of creationism and intelligent design. He considers the assault on Darwin's theory by those who advance theories of creationism or intelligent design.
| Related Links |
| Evolution This is a PBS documentary series exploring various facets of evolution - the theory of evolution, its impact on our understanding of the world, and how evolution continues to affect us everyday. |
| Charles Darwin Documentary films related to Charles Darwin's life and his theory of evolution. Books by or about Charles Darwin such as On the Origin of Species. |
| Unique Features of Human Skin The skin is the major interface between the human body and its environment. It supports diverse and complex functions from protection to vitamin photosynthesis, thermoregulation, and communication. |
| Origins of Us This is a BBC documentary series presented by Dr. Alice Roberts, showing how we evolved away from our ape cousins to become the adaptable, successful species we are today. |
| Are We Still Evolving? There's no doubt that we're a product of millions of years of evolution. But thanks to modern technology and medicine, did we escape Darwin's law of the survival of the fittest? |
| Darwin's Legacy Learn about Darwin's far-reaching legacy in fields as diverse as anthropology, religion, medicine, psychology, philosophy, literature, and biology. |