Ideas worth spreading

The evolution of animal genitalia

3,001,236 views | Menno Schilthuizen • TED-Ed

Genitals are the fastest-evolving organs in the animal kingdom. But why is this so? And what's the point of having decorative private parts? Menno Schilthuizen explains how the evolutionary biology of nature's nether regions uncovers a hidden world of seduction, conflict, and rivalry. [Directed by Mette Ilene Holmriis, narrated by Adrian Dannatt, music by Wonder Boy Audio].

Genitals are the fastest-evolving organs in the animal kingdom. But why is this so? And what's the point of having decorative private parts? Menno Schilthuizen explains how the evolutionary biology of nature's nether regions uncovers a hidden world of seduction, conflict, and rivalry. [Directed by Mette Ilene Holmriis, narrated by Adrian Dannatt, music by Wonder Boy Audio].

This video was produced by TED-Ed, TED’s youth and education initiative.

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Menno Schilthuizen

Menno Schilthuizen

Evolutionary biologist

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Menno Schilthuizen studies the animals and plants in cities and how they adapt to their new urban habitat.

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This video was produced by TED-Ed, TED’s youth and education initiative.

Read more about TED-Ed.