The Most Controversial Idea in Biology

Veritasium’s video dives headfirst into evolution, starting with quirky questions like why poop smells bad before breaking down the origin of life, gene mutations, and how natural selection really works. Along the way you’ll get tabletop simulations of evolution, a primer on what traits we actually inherit, and the surprising role of kin selection.

All roads lead to Richard Dawkins’ game-changing idea in The Selfish Gene—that genes, not individuals, are the true drivers of evolution. It ends with a playful nod to seeing life itself as one big simulation, backed by insights from leading experts and a tip of the hat to our favorite emperor penguins.

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