The Surprising Truth About 4 Billion Years of Evolution

Derek Muller takes us on a whirlwind tour of life’s epic 4-billion-year journey, tackling everything from why poop stinks (hint: it’s about protection) to the chemistry behind life’s first molecules. You’ll get a crash course in gene mutation, digital evolution simulations, and the nuts-and-bolts of natural selection—basically, why and how some traits stick around while others vanish.

Along the way, you’ll discover what really gets passed down through generations, why we sometimes favor our kin, and how the “selfish gene” theory shapes life’s grand experiment. By the end, you’ll see evolution as one massive, ongoing simulation—complete with expert insights, key references, and even penguin chicks to keep things adorable.

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