Modern humans have lived on Earth for only the past 200,000 years—not even a blink of an eye in the history of a planet that is about 4.6 billion years old. Scientists have discovered a rich fossil record of animal evolution going back more than 600 million years and a much richer one of microbial life starting almost 4 billion years ago. Throughout this time, the geologic record reveals that dramatic changes have occurred to Earth's oceans, atmosphere, climate, and land forms, which match major biological transitions.

In four presentations, leading scientists Andrew H. Knoll of Harvard University, Naomi Oreskes of the University of California, San Diego, and Daniel P. Schrag of Harvard University guide us on an exciting exploration of the history of life on Earth and discuss present-day concerns about climate change.

This DVD set includes detailed chapter search by scientific topic; direct access to animations; English and Spanish subtitles; interviews with the speakers; and a discussion on climate change.

Presented at HHMI's 2012 Holiday Lectures on Science. Two discs, lecture time approx. 240 min.

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