Evolution - for iPad/Mac/PC: Recent Episodes
The Open University
In the sub-arctic environment in northern Norway and the high arctic climate of Svalbard, reindeer have adapted to their environment in different ways. The five video tracks in this album explore the key concepts of evolutionary science and investigate how these account for the characteristics of arctic reindeer. How do natural selection and other evolutionary processes produce changes in genes? How do new species originate? And how are large-scale evolutionary patterns generated. The material forms part of the course S366 Evolution.
An undisturbed natural laboratory. One of the most isolated arctic landmasses, an ideal location to observe rapid evolutionary change.
Transcript -- An undisturbed natural laboratory. One of the most isolated arctic landmasses, an ideal location to observe rapid evolutionary change.
The behaviour and evolution of the mainland species. Analysing how they live and what they eat.
Transcript -- The behaviour and evolution of the mainland species. Analysing how they live and what they eat.
Inside the stomach & intestine of a reindeer. An in depth look at how the species extracts nutrients and conserves heat.
Transcript -- Inside the stomach & intestine of a reindeer. An in depth look at how the species extracts nutrients and conserves heat.
The threat of starvation. How this sub-species has adapted to arctic conditions, lack of food and the absence of predators
Transcript -- The threat of starvation. How this sub-species has adapted to arctic conditions, lack of food and the absence of predators
Comparing physical and behavioural characteristics in both types of reindeer reveals the process of evolution at work.
Transcript -- Comparing physical and behavioural characteristics in both types of reindeer reveals the process of evolution at work.