AllMovie

This is the second episode in a seven-part PBS series that provides viewers with an overview of the theory of evolution: how the theory was conceived, how it has broadly influenced science, how it is commonly misunderstood, and how the theory affects everyday life. Written by Joel Olicker and Chris Schmidt, and directed by Olicker, this installment of the documentary discusses the development of the biological template of the four-limbed animal, the migration of life forms from ocean to land, the return of some species to the ocean (such as dolphins), and the development of homo sapiens. Highlights include a side-by-side comparison of the bones of a human hand to the fossilized bones of the fin of a sea creature that died millions of years ago -- the structure is startlingly similar. Also included are animation sequences illustrating evolution, and interviews with various scientists. Narrated by acclaimed actor Liam Neeson, this program utilizes archival footage from a variety of sources, including the American Museum of Natural History Library, BBC Worldwide Americas, Inc., California Institute of Technology, and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. Included among the distinguished advisors for the series are Jane Goodall, Sharon Emerson of the University of Utah, author Stephen Jay Gould, and William H. Calvin, of Washington University. The series was originally televised September 24-27, 2001.