How to Grow a Planet. Life From Light 2012
Distributed by Films Media Group, 132 West 31st St., 17th Floor, New York, NY 10001; 800-257-5126
Produced by BBC
Director n/a
DVD, color, 60 min.
College - General Adult
Evolution, Botany, Natural History
Date Entered: 10/02/2014
Reviewed by Buzz Haughton, Adjunct Faculty, School of Library and Information Studies, University of AlabamaThis DVD explores photosynthesis, the chemical process by which plants combine light with carbon dioxide to make sugar to fuel their metabolism. When water (H2O) enters into this metabolic mix, the oxygen is discarded, since only hydrogen is needed by the plant. Oxygen’s production in this way began about 450 million years ago and enabled the evolution of animals. Scientists call this happening the Great Oxidation Event.
The narrator travels the world over (New Zealand, Vietnam, Scotland, England, Nova Scotia, California) to investigate various aspects of the photosynthesis story. Plants developed leaves to facilitate the absorption of carbon dioxide in a geological period when the CO2 fell very low due to the formation of mountain ranges, resulting in washing of minerals into the sea, forming massive amounts of limestone, which consists partly of carbon dioxide.
Highly recommended, Life From Light is best suited for college students interested in biology in general and evolution in particular, as well as adults with a general background in the life sciences.