ITEMS Video Descriptions


Evolution: Relationships
BIO VT0085

Show types of homologous behavior in different species that can only be explained by common ancestry; demonstrates chromatographic technique for purification & sequencing of proteins; explains how evolutionary history of life is reflected in structure of proteins 1987 20 min


Evolution: Out of the Past
BIO VT0086

Presents fossil evidence for evolution of reptiles & amphibians; explains reasoning processes scientists must use when no direct evidence is available for examination; illustrates field techniques for collecting fragile fossils for transportation to laboratory, where examination can take place under controlled conditions; & traces evolution of some modern mammals back in time. 1987 20 min


Evolution: Out of the Past
BIO VT0087

Illustrates collecting of seemingly ordinary rocks in field & how these rocks can reveal important information when subjected to careful laboratory analysis; analyzes fossilized plant remains & determines their origin; presents evidence provided by structural analysis which supports theory of evolution of land plants from simple to more complex; explains relationship between structures of extant plant forms & early plant groups which may have been their ancestors; & demonstrates processes used to reconstruct original form of early animals. 1987 20 min


Evolution: Relationships
BIO VT0088

Presents physical evidence of structural homologies between types of vertebrates, insects & plants & to explain why these homologies suggest a common ancestry; uses fossils to show development of specialized structures from simpler forms; show by means of homologous structures that what appears to be a new or different organ may be a variant or modification of something existing in an ancestor; presents evidence for CO-evolution from examples where entire orders of organisms dependent on one another have developed corresponding structural modifications. 1987 20 min


Selection in Action
BIO VT0089

Illustrates selection of more favorable variations in a population & inheritance of these variations by succeeding generations, resulting eventually in a population most of which is improved in its characteristics & adaptive structures that promote survival in particular environments; demonstrates the dynamic nature of environmental processes & their effect on process of natural section. 1987. 20 min


Selection in Action
BIO VT0090

Illustrates how natural selection works to enable a species to adapt to adverse environments; shows how man's breeding of varieties desirable to him which antedates by millennia any theories of genetics or evolution - often overrode natural selection; demonstrates how species can be changed by artificial selection & in response to human interference with environment; explains desirability of preserving the gene pool. 1987 20 min


Evolution: Out of the Past
BIO VT0091

Shows process of sedimentation which has preserved those life forms extinct at time rock was formed & most strikingly where Colorado River has cut through Grand Canyon exposes a veritable history of life on earth; presents stratified evidence that simple organisms populated earth first, followed by increasingly complex forms; demonstrates modern techniques for dating rock samples; & explains why fossils provide important evidence of theory of evolution. 1987. 20 min


Evolution: Origins of Change: DNA & the Evidence for Evolution
BIO VT0128

DNA is what constitutes genetic code. Changes take place in DNA, by accident or as result of environmental factors. Shows structure & replicating processed of DNA, shows effect of genetic mutation & demonstrates Lederberg Experiment. 20 min


Evolution: Origins of Change: Heredity & Mutation
BIO VT0129

The concepts of naturally occurring & man-induced mutagens are introduced. Students gain understanding of why Drosophila Melanogaster is so well suited to genetic investigation, as well as how mutation occurs. 20 min


Evolution: The Evolution of Man
BIO VT0131

Geologists examine 2.5 million year old fossil find in South Africa which includes fossils similar to man. They are measured & compared to modern man. Provides basic understanding of human evolution. 20 min


Evolution: Selection in Action: Natural Selection
BIO VT0150

Arguments presented in favor of continental drift & one-time existence of a supercontinent. Inherited variation in isolated populations is studied, as well. 20 min


Warming
BIO VT0216

Earth's climate is growing warmer. Environmental impact of global warming has exploded in news media & among world governments. Explains why "greenhouse effect" is occurring & how, if we can stop or slow trend. 1989. 52 min.


Mystery of the Animal Pathfinders
BIO VT0217

Birds, bees, butterflies, bats & eels all leave one habitat to migrate to another, often miles away. Penetrates mystery of where animals migrate, why & how they get there. 1987. 58 min


Global Climatic Effects of Increased Greenhouse Gases
BIO VT0223

Through computer simulation, effects of increased greenhouse gases are shown. Industrialization & deforestation has been increasing the global concentration of greenhouse gases such as CO2. If trends continue, the earth's surface will warm up while the upper atmosphere cools (before 2050) 1989


Moyers
BIO VT0224

With Jessica Mathews, explores the greenhouse effect. 28 min.


Greenhouse Crisis: The American Response
BIO VT0225

Explores causes & effects of global warming & discusses ways to save energy to reduce global warming. Reducing production of CO2 is essential, & new sources of energy, such as nuclear power, need to be utilized - our way of life & standards of living are at stake. 11 min


Toast
BIO VT0226

Illustrates underlying dependence on fossil fuels, & takes as its example production & distribution of a commonplace item, bread. Using flowing images set to music, it documents fossil fuel inputs, from oil well head (to make the fertilizer to grow the wheat, etc.) to the toaster. 1979. 12 min


Unique Continent
BIO VT0518A

Gives view of Australia's origin, environmental state, & predicted future. Based on study of Australia's evolution as an inland continent, series looks at what makes country so unique, as it is flattest continent, least fertile, most isolated, most fire prone, least densely populated & most recent to experience impact of large scale agriculture & industry. 9/28/94


Unique Continent
BIO VT0518B

Gives view of Australia's origin, environmental state, & predicted future. Based on study of Australia's evolution as an inland continent, series looks at what makes country so unique, as it is flattest continent, least fertile, most isolated, most fire prone, least densely populated & most recent to experience impact of large scale agriculture & industry. 9/28/94


Unique Continent
BIO VT0518C

Gives view of Australia's origin, environmental state, & predicted future. Based on study of Australia's evolution as an inland continent, series looks at what makes country so unique, as it is flattest continent, least fertile, most isolated, most fire prone, least densely populated & most recent to experience impact of large scale agriculture & industry. 9/28/94


Unique Continent
BIO VT0518D

Gives view of Australia's origin, environmental state, & predicted future. Based on study of Australia's evolution as an inland continent, series looks at what makes country so unique, as it is flattest continent, least fertile, most isolated, most fire prone, least densely populated & most recent to experience impact of large scale agriculture & industry. 9/28/94


Succession: Ecology
BIO VT0810

When a habitat is disturbed its old community of plants & animals may die but life will reappear in waves of colonization & regrowth - a process called succession. 16 min 1998


Horses For Courses: Evolutionary
BIO VT0969

Evolution of species. Horses are beautifully adapted, efficient runners. Structure of horses. 25 min


Charles Darwin: Evolutions Voice
BIO VT0970

Men & women who populate our dreams, excite our imaginations, shock us, inspire us, & entertain us. Biography profiles most important people of our century & centuries past. Rare footage, new research & exclusive interviews go beyond myths to bring their stories to life. 1999 50 min


Biology Essentials: The Worlds Biomes: Desert to Rainforest
BIO VT1008

Begins by introducing students to how various physical factors determine climate of a biome & in turn density of life within a given one. Takes students on journey through rain forests, deserts, grasslands, coniferous forests, alpine tundra, deciduous forests, marine & freshwater biomes. Throughout journey adaptations that different organisms make to their environment are highlighted. 28 min


State of the Planet: Biosphere in the Balance
BIO VT1275

Is There a Crisis? Biodiversity in Decline The most striking feature of life on Earth is its richness & variety. But research shows that the planet's biodiversityis seriously threatened with destruction by human activities. From the depths of the oceans to the tops of rainforest canopies, from the African savannas to the soil underfoot, this program hosted by David Attenborough reveals the extent of that living bounty - & the chilling rate at which species are becoming extinct. The research of paleontologist Peter Ward, marine biologist Sylvia Earle, entomologist Terry Erwin, & biologists Sir Robert May, Edward Wilson, & John Lawton is featured. A BBC Production 50 min color


Roots of Wildlife Conservation
BIO VT1416

Famed English naturalist David Attenborough traces the history of the modern wilderness conservation movement and visits the species which survive today as a result of its efforts. Featured is the work of German wildlife photographer Eugene Schumacher, whose photographs of threatened species in the 1950's and 1960's provided a catalyst for the conservation movement. Spectacular Schumacher footage includes the Indian tiger, Java rhinoceros, and many others. Color/45 minutes


Assault on the Male
BIO VT1417

Will environmental changes brought about by humans eventually destroy the potential for males of all species to reproduce? This Emmy Award-winning documentary explores that frightening possibility. Using sophisticated investigative techniques, scientists trace the ripple effect of estrogenic compounds in the environment. At first, we observe slight changes in the natural order, then witness the wider effects: seriously altered ecosytems and the disruption of fundamental life processes that result in reduced male reproduction. The dismal conclusion is that the process, unabated, may result in male sterility over time. color/53 min


Ancient Creature of the Deep
BIO VT1440

Believed extinct for over 50 million years, the coelacanth made a stunning appearance in 1938 when South African museum curator Marjorie Courtenay-Latimer stumbled upon the iridescent blue fin of a bizarre-looking fish on the deck of a trawler. Shocking the scientific world, the living coelacanth and its remarkable biology held pieces to an unfinished evolutionary puzzle. Could this odd-looking creature that predates the dinosaur be the storied "missing link" between water and land animals? Nova explores the amazing discovery of this "living fossil" and reveals why this primaitive creature holds tantalizing clues to the evolution of all terrestrial life. See the armored scales, brilliant colors, and od limb-like fins of this extraordinary fish. Hear Courtenay-Latimer relive the excitement that followed her amazing discovery. And join a diving team in their specially-designed submersible in search of one of the oldest living species on earth. VHS/Color/approx 60 min/not rated


HIV & Aids
BIO VT1483

Rediscovering Biology: Molecular to Global Perspectives explains recent advances in the field for teachers of high school biology to update their content knowledge and understanding. The coordinated course materials, including an online text, interactive Web activities, and course guides, will help new and veteran biology teachers become familiar with current research methods and tools that will lead to new discoveries in the coming decades. Color/ VHS


Alternative Agriculture: Food for Life
BIO VT1484

This program asserts that ecological, organic, and ethical farming is a viable alternative to industrial agriculture, and offers a tremendous benefit to the environment while helping to preserve traditional rural life. Interviews with these modern farmers focus on the process and effects of raising animals, grains, fruits, and vegetables in a natural environment. 46 minutes/color/VHS


Burgess Shale
BIO VT0562

45 minutes