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Branches on the Tree of Life: The Biology of...

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The Biology of... series of core curriculum programs explores the "deep branches" on the tree of life to reveal a modern view of the classification and phylogeny of each group studied in the biology curricula. The narrated programs feature new techniques of microscopy, animation, and photography to reveal the structure, process, and behavior in living things.

Episodes:

• Algae

  The term algae is a catchall for several evolutionary lines of phytosynthetic organisms: dinoflagellates; red algae, diatoms, yellow-brown algae, and brown algae. This program treats diversity, structure and ecolgical roles of these vital aquatic producers.

  Length:	00:19:21
  Usage rights:	9/1/2006 to 2/28/2036

• Annelids

  Phylum Annelida, the segmented worms, includes: earthworms and aquatic worms such as Tubifex (Oligochaeta); marine worms including Neris and other species in marine habitats (Polychaeta) and leeches ( Hirudinea). Segmentation, organ systems, and similar larval development unite these diverse evolutionary branches.

  Length:	00:14:54
  Usage rights:	9/1/2006 to 2/28/2036

• Arthropods

  Describes the phylum characteristics and major groups of arthropods: crustaceans; chelicerates (scorpions, spiders, ticks and mites); and the uniramians (centipedes, millipedes and insects). The focus is on adaptations, life cycles, and evolutionary relationships.

  Length:	00:25:16
  Usage rights:	9/1/2006 to 2/28/2036

• Bacteria

  Compelling microscopy of living bacteria highlights structure, physiology, behavior and the vital roles these microbes play in the biosphere, including oxygen production (cyanobacteria), decomposition and nitrogen fixation.

  Length:	00:16:54
  Usage rights:	9/1/2006 to 2/28/2036

• Chordates

  The unique features of this group -- a supporting rod (notochord), hollow dorsal nerve chord, pharyngeal gills, and a tail that extends behind the anus -- are found in three evolutionary lines; urochordates (tunicates); cephalochordates (lancelets); and vertebrates. This program emphasizes the key adaptations that led to the diversification of chordates, their emergence on land, and the proliferation of the modern vertebrate groups.

  Length:	00:18:08
  Usage rights:	9/1/2006 to 2/28/2036

• Cnidarians

  Begins with detailed observations on HYDRA, including habitat, structure, feeding, nematocyst discharge, locomotion, and both sexual and asexual reproductive strategies. Another hydrozoan, OBELIA, illustrates the 2-stage life cycle found in many cnidarians. Examining the biology of jellyfish, sea anemones and corals, rounds out this overview of phylum Cnidaria.

  Length:	00:12:24
  Usage rights:	9/1/2006 to 2/28/2036

• Echinoderms

  This program examines structure, ecology, larval development and evolutionary relationships among: seastars; brittle stars; urchins and sand dollars; sea cucumbers; and feather stars.

  Length:	00:14:55
  Usage rights:	9/1/2006 to 2/28/2036

• Flatworms

  Shows the structure, behavior and life cycles of planarians and their relatives (class Turbellaria). It illustrates the bizarre life cycles of flukes (Trematoda) and tapeworms (Cestoda) with detailed animations and revealing images of these parasites in action.

  Length:	00:14:37
  Usage rights:	9/1/2006 to 2/28/2036

• Fungi

  This program explores the structure, life cycles, classification and evolutionary relationships of four major lines of fungi: Chytrids, Zygomycetes (mold), Ascomycetes (cup fungi) and Basidiomycetes ( mushrooms). Also covered are the fungi imperfecti --a grab bag of asexual species, difficult to assign to any of the major lines of fungi evolution.

  Length:	00:21:19
  Usage rights:	9/1/2006 to 2/28/2036

• Molluscs

  Presents a phylum of soft-bodied animals: chitons, snails and nudibranches; clams, scallops and mussels; tooth shells; squids and octopus, with an emphasis on their structures, behaviors, and adaptations.

  Length:	00:14:49
  Usage rights:	9/1/2006 to 2/28/2036

• Nematodes, Rotifers, Bryozoans and and Minor Phyla

  Nematodes (round worms) include a number of important human parasites. Thirteen common rotifer species illustrates this diverse group. Bryozoans, gastrotrichs, tardigrades, nemerteans and a recently discovered phylum, the gnathostomulids, round out the so-called ' minor phyla'.

  Length:	00:15:14
  Usage rights:	9/1/2006 to 2/28/2036

• Plants

  A general introduction to the members of the green kingdom and their life cycles. Major groups include mosses, liverworts, ferns, horsetails, and the seed plants (gymnosperms and flowering plants). Clear graphic animation is used to describe the molecular level of mechanisms of photosynthesis.

  Length:	00:14:00
  Usage rights:	9/1/2006 to 2/28/2036

• Protists

  The term 'protists' covers a wide range of microscopic organisms formerly clumped into 'Kingdom Protista'. New molecular analyses show that the protistan lines of evolution go so far back in time they represent different kingdoms of life. Through stunning photography of living protists, we are introduced to amoebas, flagellates, algae, and the elegant ciliated protists.

  Length:	00:19:58
  Usage rights:	9/1/2006 to 2/28/2036

• Sponges

  Imagine an animal with no mouth, no digestive system, no excretory or circulatory organs, no brain or nervous system, and no movement as an adult. Through underwater photography, animations and time-lapse microscopy, this program clarifies the structure, function, classification and ecological roles of three classes of sponges.

  Length:	00:14:50
  Usage rights:	9/1/2006 to 2/28/2036

• The Light Microscope: Window on a Microcosm

  Demostrates techniques for using an average microscope to achieve spectacular images. Emphasis is on correct lighting procedures and the techniques required for viewing living cells.

  Length:	00:17:14
  Usage rights:	9/1/2006 to 2/28/2036

• Viruses

  Treats the discovery of viruses and their structure; how viruses are studied; and how they infect and replicate. Details are provided on the T-4 bacteriophage and retroviruses such as HIV.

  Length:	00:17:43
  Usage rights:	9/1/2006 to 2/28/2036

Availability: