skip to main content

The Evolution of the Brain

14 minutes

Videos are generally available for preview to non-members as short clips. Limited full-length titles are also available. Log In to view the full length title.

Browse Full-length Non-member Titles
Anatomical illustrated drawing of the left hemisphere of the human brain.

The complexity, capacity, and power of the human brain set us apart from other animals. Humans don't have the largest brains, but do have the greatest brain size relative to body size. Traces the evolution of the brain from Homo habilis to Homo sapiens. Discusses its composition and the function of the cerebral cortex.

Media Details

Runtime: 14 minutes

Lab equipment in background with illustration of connected neurons. Caption: glia activate and help fix the neurons
#askMIT
Episode 1
2 minutes 56 seconds
Grade Level: 8 - 12
Shirtless muscular man flexing his bicep. Caption: When the muscle fibers fire and contract,
27 minutes 11 seconds
Grade Level: 6 - 10
A woman. Caption: So we found a way to control prosthetic limbs.
Ask a Scientist
Episode 19
1 minutes 2 seconds
Grade Level: 10 - 12
A diagram of a lock in the backdrop of a neuron. Caption: So, a  neuroethicist looks at the privacy implications.
Ask a Scientist
Episode 21
51 seconds
Grade Level: 10 - 12
illustration depicts a close knitted structure of the nerves. Caption: are now hardwired in because we use them so often.
Ask a Scientist
Episode 14
1 minutes 51 seconds
Grade Level: 7 - 12
Digital illustration of the lateral view of the brain. Text on image reads, "Working Memory." "Cognitive System with Limited Capacity." "Transient Holding Processing and Manipulation of Information."
Behavioral Science
Episode 4
30 minutes 55 seconds
Grade Level: 10 - 12
Bill Nye holding an infant. Caption: You, she, and I have the same number of brain cells
Bill Nye The Science Guy
Season 2 / Ep 14
23 minutes 3 seconds
Grade Level: 5 - 9
A teenager wearing a beanie with skull and crossbones and a hoodie with a skull, sitting at a desk and writing on a piece of paper. Caption: he couldn't read or write.
24 minutes 21 seconds
Grade Level: 7 - 12
Recently Added
Still image from: Crash Course Biology: The Nervous System
Crash Course Biology
Season 0 / Ep 126
11 minutes 37 seconds
Grade Level: 9 - 12
Illustration of neurons and dendrites exchanging signals. Caption: The addicted brain has changed.
24 minutes 5 seconds
Grade Level: 10 - 12