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Evolution: Darwin's Theory of Evolution

Related Article: Learn more about evolution.

Proposed by Charles Darwin and debated for decades, the theory of evolution explains the complexity, diversity and unity of life on earth.

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HowStuffWorks.com Videos: Evolution MRSS Feed

Evolution Hits the Beach (1:05)

A lively, informal look at a fossil that may represent the first vertebrate to emerge from the ancient seas, discovered by scientists from the University of Chicago, Harvard University and the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia. Credit:... More »

Jane Goodall on Monkeys, Apes and Ecology (29:20)

Watch this video about Jane Goodall and her talk about monkeys, apes and ecology at TED on HowStuffWorks. Jane Goodall, popularized in the movie "Gorillas in the Mist" starring Sigourney Weaver, discusses using advanced technology such as night... More »

The Origin of Life (4:11)

Watch this video about the origin of life on HowStuffWorks. Could there be life elsewhere in the universe? Learn about how researchers can speculate about other life based on their research of life on Earth in this research video from Georgia Tech.

Humans and Ecology (3:09)

Examine the human influence on Earth's ecology.

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Why? Tell Me Why!: Earth: Mass Extinction (2:59)

The Earth is in the middle of its sixth mass extinction. Kasey-Dee Gardner finds out why they happen in the first place, and how we can save our planet. Watch this video from Discovery Channel's "Why? Tell Me Why!"

Why? Tell Me Why!: Skin Pigmentation (2:18)

What caused humans to have different skin tones? Find out in this episode of "Why? Tell Me Why!"

Science of the Impossible: Life on Earth (2:28)

On Discovery Channel's "Science of the Impossible," learn about the many intricate components that allow for life to develop, sustain and evolve on Earth.

100 Greatest Discoveries: Natural Selection (2:34)

Charles Darwin's extensive studies in the Galapagos Islands led to his theory of natural selection, adaptation and extinction. Learn more on The Science Channel's "100 Greatest Discoveries."

100 Greatest Discoveries: Burgess Shale Preservation (1:23)

The Burgess Shale, located in the Canadian Rocky mountains, was created by an underwater mudflow. It has entombed organisms for hundreds of millions of years. Learn more in The Science Channel's series "100 Greatest Discoveries."

100 Greatest Discoveries: Tumai and Hominid Diversity (1:31)

The discovery of the Tumai, the oldest hominid fossil ever found, was discovered in Africa in 2002. Its presence raised questions about the diversity of life among ancient hominids. Learn more with The Science Channel's, "100 Greatest Discoveries."

100 Greatest Discoveries: Laetoli Footprints (2:03)

The Laetoli footprints are one of the greatest discoveries in the study of human origins. These perfectly preserved fossil footprints give us insight into hominid behavior. Learn more with The Science Channel's series, "100 Greatest Discoveries."

Kapow Superhero Science: Extended Longevity (2:20)

What if you delay reproduction? Would natural selection keep you alive longer? Learn more about research involving longevity on The Science Channel's "Kapow! Superhero Science."

Assignment Discovery: Life Without Lunar Impact (2:58)

This clip from Discovery Channel's "Assignment Discovery" discusses what scientists speculate earth would look like if asteroids had not impacted the earth.

100 Greatest Discoveries: The Start of Darwin's Theory (2:39)

While aboard the HMS Beagle ship, scientist Charles Darwin would begin to fully realize his theories that would later make him famous. Learn more about Darwin's voyage and the theories he made on the Science Channel's series, "100 Greatest... More »