Skip to main content

Myths and misconceptions about evolution - Alex Gendler

3,048,793 Views

84,465 Questions Answered

TEDEd Animation

Let’s Begin…

How does evolution really work? Actually, not how some of our common evolutionary metaphors would have us believe. For instance, it's species, not individual organisms, that adapt to produce evolution, and genes don't "want" to be passed on -- a gene can't want anything at all! Alex Gendler sets the record straight on the finer points of evolution.

Many organisms, such as the anglerfish, exhibit large degrees of sexual dimorphism, where the male and female of the same species differ greatly in size and/or other characteristics. Can you think of some reasons why such a situation would have evolved or how it is beneficial?

Sign in to answer question

About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Alex Gendler
  • Producer Daniel Spencer
  • Director Patrick Semple
  • Narrator Julianna Zarzycki

More from Awesome Nature