Spencer Wells is an Explorer-in-Residence at the National Geographic Society, where he leads the Genographic Project.
part.
a collection of information for analysis and interpretation.
(deoxyribonucleic acid) molecule in every living organism that contains specific genetic information on that organism.
pre-eminent explorers and scientists collaborating with the National Geographic Society to make groundbreaking discoveries that generate critical scientific information, conservation-related initiatives and compelling stories.
having to do with genes, inherited characteristics or heredity.
National Geographic project that uses genealogy to trace the migratory history of the human species.
(1888) organization whose mission is "Inspiring people to care about the planet."
business that uses surplus funds to pursue its goals, not to make money.
people of a community.
scientific observations and investigation into a subject, usually following the scientific method: observation, hypothesis, prediction, experimentation, analysis, and conclusion.
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Caryl-Sue, National Geographic Society
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Mary Crooks, National Geographic Society
Last Updated
Dec. 16, 2013
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Human Origins
Where did we come from? Humans continue to search for the answer to this fundamental question. Over the years, we've turned to both religion and science to explain where our species came from. Innovators of their time, Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace, used science to explain where humans came from, posing the theory of evolution. Then, Mary and Louis Leaky explored the fossil record to see if they could piece together the story of humans. Evolutionary science and archaeology continue today. Use these materials in your classroom to teach your students about the origins of the homo sapien.
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Genetics
Heredity, or the passing of characteristics from one generation to the next, is a concept that humans have used for thousands of years as we’ve cultivated crops and selectively bred animals. But the first formal genetic study was undertaken by a monk named Gregor Mendel in the middle of the 19th Century. Mendel bred peas and noticed he could cross-pollinate them in certain ways to get green or yellow seeds. Today, the field of genetics is breaking new ground searching for new ways to treat disease or develop crops more resistant to insects or drought. Empower your students to learn about genetics with this collection of resources.
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Organisms: Behavior
Organisms can exhibit a wide range of behaviors; some of which can be quite unique, such as the elaborate courtship behaviors of the birds-of-paradise in Papua New Guinea or the peacock spider in Australia. Although often overlooked, plants also have unique behaviors. Two examples of their behaviors include geotropism, the growth of plants against the force of gravity and phototropism, the growth of plants toward the light. Learn more about these fascinating behaviors with these resources.
-
Human Origins
Where did we come from? Humans continue to search for the answer to this fundamental question. Over the years, we've turned to both religion and science to explain where our species came from. Innovators of their time, Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace, used science to explain where humans came from, posing the theory of evolution. Then, Mary and Louis Leaky explored the fossil record to see if they could piece together the story of humans. Evolutionary science and archaeology continue today. Use these materials in your classroom to teach your students about the origins of the homo sapien.
-
Genetics
Heredity, or the passing of characteristics from one generation to the next, is a concept that humans have used for thousands of years as we’ve cultivated crops and selectively bred animals. But the first formal genetic study was undertaken by a monk named Gregor Mendel in the middle of the 19th Century. Mendel bred peas and noticed he could cross-pollinate them in certain ways to get green or yellow seeds. Today, the field of genetics is breaking new ground searching for new ways to treat disease or develop crops more resistant to insects or drought. Empower your students to learn about genetics with this collection of resources.
-
Organisms: Behavior
Organisms can exhibit a wide range of behaviors; some of which can be quite unique, such as the elaborate courtship behaviors of the birds-of-paradise in Papua New Guinea or the peacock spider in Australia. Although often overlooked, plants also have unique behaviors. Two examples of their behaviors include geotropism, the growth of plants against the force of gravity and phototropism, the growth of plants toward the light. Learn more about these fascinating behaviors with these resources.