Ep 8. What Darwin Never Knew

What Darwin Never Knew is an episode from season 37 of the popular science show NOVA. This episode takes us on an exploration of the scientific discoveries that have occurred since Charles Darwin's seminal work on evolution. In particular, the episode looks at four specific areas of research that have revolutionized our understanding of how life on earth evolves: embryology, biogeography, genetics, and the fossil record.

The episode begins by examining the work of Ernst Haeckel, a 19th-century German biologist who pioneered the field of embryology. Haeckel's drawings of embryos were instrumental in demonstrating the evolutionary relationships between different species. The episode then moves on to explore biogeography, the study of the distribution of plants and animals across the globe. By comparing the distribution of species across different continents, scientists have been able to reconstruct the history of how these species evolved and migrated over time.

The next segment of the show focuses on genetics, which has become one of the most powerful tools in the study of evolution. Scientists are now able to sequence entire genomes, allowing them to study the genetic changes that occur over time and across different species. The episode highlights the role of certain genes and molecular mechanisms in the evolution of traits such as body size, coloration, and behavior.

Finally, the episode explores the fossil record, which provides a window into the distant past of life on earth. By examining fossils of ancient creatures, scientists are able to reconstruct how these organisms lived and evolved over millions of years. The episode highlights some of the most significant fossil finds in recent years, including an ancient sea creature with the oldest known nervous system and a 50-million-year-old bird with exquisitely preserved feathers.

Throughout the episode, scientists share their perspectives on what Darwin never knew, and how our understanding of evolution has evolved in the years since Darwin's work was first published. The show also features stunning visuals, including animations of ancient creatures and breathtaking footage of modern-day animals.

In all, What Darwin Never Knew is a fascinating exploration of the key scientific discoveries that have transformed our understanding of evolution. The episode offers a compelling look at how science continues to push the boundaries of what we know about the origins of life on our planet.