Olivia Judson on Major Energy Transitions in Evolutionary History

Explore the fascinating evolution of Earth's biosphere in this thought-provoking lecture by evolutionary biologist and science journalist Olivia Judson. Delve into the major energy transitions that have shaped life on our planet over the last 3.8 billion years. Discover how living systems can be understood through thermodynamic flows and the expanding range of possibilities created by increasingly complex ecologies. Uncover insights into puzzling aspects of the fossil record, including the delayed appearance of complex animals and the development of human characteristics. Gain a new perspective on the intricate relationship between biology and geology, and how life's byproducts have continuously reshaped Earth's environment. Learn why viewing life as a process rather than a finished product offers a more comprehensive understanding of our planet's history and the blue sky above us.