Special Topics in Evolution Introduction

Special Topics in Evolution Introduction

Who are we? Where did we come from? Why are we here? What are mattress tags for? Everyone has theories on the subject, but this chapter will actually explain it. Did you want answers to life, the universe, and everything? Then you should check out Chapter 42.

Life is an endless struggle for existence, pitting individuals against each other, with only the strongest surviving. Wait…no. We're thinking about Candyland. In this chapter, we'll talk about how life could have come from a series of chemical reactions to form everything we see on Earth today. We'll also explain why some forms of life have come and gone (yay, dinosaurs), while others are still around today, no matter how much we try to get rid of them (boo, cockroaches). We'll also get to know our buddy Charles Darwin, a guy who many would say is for the birds, but we like him nonetheless. Finally, like a cat, we'll climb up the tree of life. There, we will wait to be rescued by a fireman of life.

In this chapter, we will discuss the origins of life, how life evolved into what we currently recognize it to be, and how scientists are still trying to figure out what this crazy game we call life is all about. Little do they know they could just make a phone call to Hasbro.

Special Topics in Evolution Resources

Videos

PBS Documentary on Origins of Life
Watch a video on the origins of life, NOVA style.

Websites

Evolution Resources from National Academies
See what the National Academies has to say about Darwin and evolutionary biology.

Evolutionary Biology Blog
Find some current biology news and issues here.

Understanding Evolution Website
Click here for a resource to all things evolution.

The Complete Works of Charles Darwin
Hear from the man himself. Find the original works of Darwin here.

Becoming Human, Multimedia on Human Evolution
Here, you'll find current evolutionary news and tons of interactive resources.

Games and Tools

Who Wants to Live a Million Years Game
Take a walk with Charley Darwin and see if your species has what it takes to survive.