3 of 3 results for "common ancestor"
Quiz
The Rich Biodiversity of Madagascar Quiz

Step into a place like no other. First watch The Biodiversity of Madagascar, a short clip from the award-winning BBC series Planet Earth. Sir David Attenborough takes you into Madagascar, home to many species that aren’t found anywhere else on Earth. Meet indri, ringtail, bamboo, and sifaka lemurs, some of the over 100 different types of lemur that have evolved from a common ancestor.

Once your students have watched the video, invite them to check for understanding with this quick, 8-question quiz!

Video
The Rich Biodiversity of Madagascar

In The Rich Biodiversity of Madagascar, the narrator explains that due to its age and isolation, the island of Madagascar is home to many species that aren’t found anywhere else on Earth. Over 100 different types of lemurs have evolved from a common ancestor. The indri, ringtail, bamboo, and sifaka lemurs have each adapted to different habitats on the island. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Planet Earth II, a breathtaking documentary series that highlights the natural wonders of our planet.

Video
Octopus Evolution

In Octopus Evolution, ecologist David Scheel describes the journey through the unique evolutionary history of octopuses, showing how these incredible creatures took a completely separate path from other life forms. In his class at Alaska Pacific University, he explains how, over half a billion years ago, octopuses and humans might have shared a common ancestor — but since then, octopuses developed their own specialized brain, heart, and eyes! This video is excerpted from BBC’s Natural World: The Octopus in My House, a remarkable series about a professor and the extraordinary relationship he develops with an octopus when he invites it to live in his home.