Evolution in Progress

Synopsis

Illustrates the process of natural selection, based on an experiment by H B D Kettlewell. The peppered moth is one of 70 species affected by pollution in the atmosphere. By 1848 the first black one had appeared and by 1955, 98% of the peppered moths in industrial areas were black. The film shows a distribution map. In Dr Kettlewell’s experiment, pupae are trapped, marked and transported to isolated areas and the movement of marked insects recorded. Other species are released at the same time. Surviving moths are caught in traps every night. The film includes slow-motion close-ups of moths being captured by birds including the flycatcher, nuthatch, song thrush and yellow-hammer.

Language

English

Country

Great Britain

Medium

Film; Film 16mm. silent. col. 18 min.

Technical information

Black-and-white / Sound

Year of production

1956

Availability

Hire

Subjects

Biology

Keywords

evolution; insects; moths; natural selection

Credits

Producer

H B D Kettlewell

Contributor

Nikolaas Tinbergen

Distribution Formats

Type

Film

Format

16mm

Distributor

Name

Higher Education Film & Video Library

Email

services@bufvc.ac.uk

Web

http://bufvc.ac. External site opens in new window

Phone

020 7393 1503

Fax

020 7393 1555

Address

c/o British Universities Film & Video Council
77 Wells Street
London
W1T 3QJ

Notes

Catalogue available from British Universities Film & Video Council.