What Darwin Never Knew

Part of Nova - series 36 episode 17 - Episode aired Dec 29, 2009

Yes, we know a lot that Darwin never knew as we grew a bit older.

However, depending on when you left school there may have been a few changes and additions to the way evolution and the mechanics of DNA have changed.

This is more than a cutesy overview of DNA as if it was new, this presentation takes the time to go into depth on how the various genes are triggered and what controls the trigger. We go beyond opposable thumbs and even target brain development.

It starts with a complete montage of what we are about to watch.

The program is based on the books: "Endless Forms Most Beautiful" and The Making of the Fittest" by Sean B. Carroll

Still, we do get a quickie overview of Darwin's travels; we get just enough to lead you into today's technology and understanding of what Darwin never knew.

The only negative is that they spend far too much time showing animals eating animals to make the point the hard way.

The presentation is from 2009 so things may have changed; at least we will be caught up to 2009.