Evolution 3:Evolutionary Arms Race

Rating:
Summary: "The Evolutionary Arms Race" and "Why Sex?" on "Evolution 3"
Review: This PBS series on "Evolution" is as much about the profound impact the evolutionary process has had on our understanding of the world around us as it is on the various versions of the theory that have been expounded in scientific textbooks for the past century. The series basically focuses on five key concepts regarding evolution, sandwiched between episodes that constitute a dramatic introduction and a controversial coda.

This third of four DVDs in the set provides episodes four and five. "The Evolutionary Arms Race" puts the entire concept of natural selection and survival of the fittest in the context of humanity's battles with microorganisms, looking at a case study regarding the reemergence of tuberculosis in Russian prisons. With the alarming spread of resistance among pathogens that cause disease, the episode explains how this particular "race" offers the major threat to human existence. The scary question here is whether we are fighting a battle we cannot win.

The next episode, "Why Sex?" makes the contention that in evolutionary terms sex is more important than life itself, which will certainly get your attention. But on a more pragmatic level is addresses the question of whether males are necessary to perpetuate the species, looking at a wide variety of case studies drawn from nature. This episode also explains the principle of monogamy in evolutionary terms, which is certainly an interesting way of approaching the subject. This may well be the most fascinating volume in the series simply because it provides such a different perspective on one aspect of evolution with which most people are intimately familiar.

Overall I like the fact that "Evolution" goes for depth rather than breadth. The case studies, at least to my uneducated mind, come across as being representative of the issue under discussion. The DVD series also features access to the Evolution Web site with its interactive games, activities, and biographies, so those who would like to get additional information and insight on any one of these topics can easily do so. There are also student lessons for teachers who want to work these episodes into their science classes and a printable teacher's guide, which is what you expect from anything associated with PBS (a.k.a. educational television).

Rating:
Summary: "The Evolutionary Arms Race" and "Why Sex?" on "Evolution 3"
Review: This PBS series on "Evolution" is as much about the profound impact the evolutionary process has had on our understanding of the world around us as it is on the various versions of the theory that have been expounded in scientific textbooks for the past century. The series basically focuses on five key concepts regarding evolution, sandwiched between episodes that constitute a dramatic introduction and a controversial coda.

This third of four DVDs in the set provides episodes four and five. "The Evolutionary Arms Race" puts the entire concept of natural selection and survival of the fittest in the context of humanity's battles with microorganisms, looking at a case study regarding the reemergence of tuberculosis in Russian prisons. With the alarming spread of resistance among pathogens that cause disease, the episode explains how this particular "race" offers the major threat to human existence. The scary question here is whether we are fighting a battle we cannot win.

The next episode, "Why Sex?" makes the contention that in evolutionary terms sex is more important than life itself, which will certainly get your attention. But on a more pragmatic level is addresses the question of whether males are necessary to perpetuate the species, looking at a wide variety of case studies drawn from nature. This episode also explains the principle of monogamy in evolutionary terms, which is certainly an interesting way of approaching the subject. This may well be the most fascinating volume in the series simply because it provides such a different perspective on one aspect of evolution with which most people are intimately familiar.

Overall I like the fact that "Evolution" goes for depth rather than breadth. The case studies, at least to my uneducated mind, come across as being representative of the issue under discussion. The DVD series also features access to the Evolution Web site with its interactive games, activities, and biographies, so those who would like to get additional information and insight on any one of these topics can easily do so. There are also student lessons for teachers who want to work these episodes into their science classes and a printable teacher's guide, which is what you expect from anything associated with PBS (a.k.a. educational television).