If you’re interested in biology, or are just curious what humans have in common with a mushroom, or how a bacteria could possibly be related to dinosaurs, the NOVA Evolution Lab is a crash course. You’ll learn how living things are related, what DNA is and how it works, and hear from biologists working in the field.
Much like the previously mentioned Cybersecurity Lab, the Evolution Lab is an interactive lesson that features games and activities designed to help you explore biology and learn a thing or two about the history of life on Earth. The interactive tree of life lets you visually understand relationships and shared ancestors of various species, including plants and animals, but also bacteria, fungi, and other life forms. You can even build your own tree, choosing two animals you’re particularly interested in and seeing how—if at all—they’re related and how far back their relationship goes. Want to know how dogs are like dinosaurs? The Lab will show you.
Both tools were developed by the Life on Earth Project at Harvard’s School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. Hit the link below to try it all out—you’ll need to enter which PBS station is closest to you, but after that just click “play game” to get started.
Evolution | NOVA Labs | PBS