Veritasium: If you don't understand this, you don't understand evolution

If you don’t understand this, you don’t understand evolution

Veritasium’s latest video whisks you from “why does poop smell bad?” all the way to the molecular origins of life, unpacking gene mutations, DIY simulations, and the mechanics of natural and kin selection. You’ll see how tiny genetic tweaks get tested over generations, why some traits stick around, and how Richard Dawkins’ Selfish Gene framework explains it all.

Backed by experts like Jack Szostak, John Sutherland, Joanna Masel and Gerald Joyce, plus animations that turn theory into play, the video shows evolution as a never-ending experiment—one you can tweak and watch unfold in real time.

Watch on YouTube