Carl Sagan's evolution animation from Cosmos


I found my favorite bit from Carl Sagan's Cosmos on YouTube today - eight minutes of Sagan speaking over animation demonstrating 4 billion years of evolution. It's such a simple presentation and it does so much to reinforce the wonder and majesty of evolution on earth. I admire Sagan most for his infectious excitement about science. This little clip from his masterpiece Cosmos is a particularly good example of Sagan sharing one of the universe's many secrets with us and loving it. YouTube.

Comments (11)

Newest 5
Newest 5 Comments

It could be suggested that perhaps sexual reproduction helps to form relationship bonds between the two parties, thusly leading to parental nurturing.

Surely the offspring of certain species in certain habitats were able to more easily survive under the care of its two parents versus what would have been the normal asexual reproduction method...

Just a quick thought.
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
Great question, Ben!

I always make the mistake of working from the assumption that evolution worked FOR or TOWARDS a given step when what in fact we should view evolutionary changes as random events that succeeded.

What is the evolutionary step up that sexual reproduction created? Is it the fact that it was a new, powerful means to cause big changes to a given species' DNA above and beyond what happens in mutation or errors in copying DNA during asexual reproduction?

Anyone?
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
The only part of the whole chain that boggles my mind is the development of sexual reproduction. how? why? All other elements make perfect sense - have no doubt, I am 100% on the side of evolution, that one little bit just blows my mind.
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
You don't have to take the "leap of faith" into evolution to find proof that fish developed lungs, Peach. All you have to do is examine the lung fish.

http://mama.essortment.com/lungfish_rank.htm
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
We already saw something similar last year. Some dude did hi resume in Flash. This guy's a copycat.

A resume is supposed to be professional. This is as dumb as putting it on yellow paper to stand out.
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
um ted....this fellows work is from 2008. so it is doubtful he has copied something from last year, which was 2009. unless he is indeed a time traveler as he jokingly said he was. professional? with credentials from MIT i'd say he can pretty much do what he wants.I bet he has a job now too. a pretty darn good one.
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
Hey Ted, notice he's computer science? Ever see some of the more "creative" offices for the large CGI and internet services companies? Leads me to think if he wants to work somewhere like this they may appreciate his imagination and creativity coupled with his qualifications.
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
I have to agree with Brett though, for all the 'controversy' over the value of degrees, no one can deny that degrees from certain schools are more than worth their weight in gold. A technical/science degree from MIT has got to open doors anywhere and everywhere in the world, regardless of your personality and social skills.
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
Login to comment.
Email This Post to a Friend
"Carl Sagan's evolution animation from Cosmos"

Separate multiple emails with a comma. Limit 5.

 

Success! Your email has been sent!

close window
X

This website uses cookies.

This website uses cookies to improve user experience. By using this website you consent to all cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

I agree
 
Learn More