Watch Origins Of Us

Origins of Us is a BBC documentary series aired in 2011 with Alice Roberts, a medical doctor, anatomist, and biological anthropologist, as the presenter. The show explores the evolution of human life from our earliest ancestors to modern Homo sapiens. Over three episodes, the series looks at the ground-breaking discoveries that have helped us understand our ancestral past, and examines how genetic mutations, environmental changes, and technological innovations paved the way for us to become the dominant species on Earth. The first episode delves into our ape ancestry, exploring the key physiological adaptations that set our lineage apart and put us on the path to becoming human. The second episode examines our evolution from bipedal apes to homo erectus, as our ancestors developed new tools and learned to hunt and gather food in complex societies. The third and final episode looks at our more recent ancestry, tracing the remarkable journey that took us from small communities of hunter-gatherers to the vast and complex societies that we know today.

Throughout the series, Roberts is joined by two renowned experts in the field of human evolution, Jeremy DeSilva and Daniel Lieberman. DeSilva is a biological anthropologist at Dartmouth College, specialising in the evolution of the human foot, while Lieberman is a biological anthropologist at Harvard University, focusing on the evolution of the human head and body. Together, the three presenters guide the audience on a journey through millions of years of evolution.

Using state-of-the-art CGI, fossil reconstructions, and a vast array of scientific data, Origins of Us provides a fascinating and accessible exploration of human evolution. The show demonstrates how our bodies, minds, and behaviours have changed over time, shedding light on the origins of many of the defining features of our species, such as our ability to walk upright, our larger brains and social groups, and our capacity for language and culture.

One of the key strengths of the series is the way it humanises the often complex scientific concepts it presents. The personal stories of the presenters are interwoven with the scientific evidence, creating a narrative that is both informative and relatable. For instance, in the first episode, Roberts shares her experiences of learning to climb trees as a child, revealing how the development of our opposable thumbs and long toes allowed our ancestors to move around in the trees for millions of years before eventually venturing onto the ground.

Similarly, in the second episode, DeSilva explains how his own personal experiences of running have given him a unique insight into the human foot and how it has evolved over time. He demonstrates how the bones in our feet have changed to provide strong and flexible support for our bodies, allowing us to run faster and for longer than any other mammal on Earth.

Overall, Origins of Us is an excellent documentary series, providing a fresh and engaging look at one of the most fascinating topics in science. Combining cutting-edge science with personal anecdotes and stunning visuals, the show succeeds in making a complex subject both accessible and entertaining. Whether you're a science enthusiast or just curious about how we got here, Origins of Us is a must-watch.