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

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.

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  • Protists
    Thursday, May 16
    11:18 am on UEN-TV 9.1
    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.
  • Chordates
    Thursday, May 16
    11:00 am on UEN-TV 9.1
    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.
  • The Light Microscope: Window on a Microcosm
    Thursday, May 9
    11:40 am on UEN-TV 9.1
    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.
  • Sponges
    Thursday, May 9
    11:25 am on UEN-TV 9.1
    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.
  • Arthropods
    Thursday, May 9
    10:59 am on UEN-TV 9.1
    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.
  • Annelids
    Thursday, May 2
    11:44 am on UEN-TV 9.1
    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.
  • Molluscs
    Thursday, May 2
    11:29 am on UEN-TV 9.1
    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.
  • Echinoderms
    Thursday, May 2
    11:14 am on UEN-TV 9.1
    This program examines structure, ecology, larval development and evolutionary relationships among: seastars; brittle stars; urchins and sand dollars; sea cucumbers; and feather stars.
  • Flatworms
    Thursday, May 2
    11:00 am on UEN-TV 9.1
    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.