True Films 3.0 - Kevin Kelly

The Shape of Life
This 8-part (4 DVD set) series is the most taxonomic of any presentation
I’ve seen. The Shape of Life addresses the 8 major categories of animal
life – phylum by phylum. Starts with sponges, heads toward round
worms, and so on. You get the full diverse view of life – all intelligently
organized around a taxonomic framework (without the vocabulary),
and expertly illustrated with great (mostly undersea) BBC-type footage.
Despite the wonderful nature photography, the creators work really hard
to convey the innovations offered by each phylum, and it works. This
series cured me of a rather vague notion of animal diversity. I’d love to
ingest the same mind-opening treatment for the plant world, as well as
the other 3 kingdoms.
Narrated by Peter
Coyote
2002, 480 min.
Available from
shoppbs.org
Nudibranchs and
sea worms organize
life in very different
ways. Most of the
animals we don’t
pay attention to
have more diverse
schemes for their
bodies.
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