Frans Lanting: The story of life in photographs

A National Geographic photographer shares his journey to visualize life's story, exploring Earth's formation, the emergence of life, and evolution from simple organisms to complex life forms. The narrative highlights stromatolites, the rise of birds and plants, mammalian evolution, and human ancestry. It concludes with life's impact on Earth's environment and the role of chlorophyll in sustaining life.

What was the main focus of the narrator's personal journey?

• Studying the behavior of animals

• Documenting the history of photography

• Visualizing the story of life

• Exploring the depths of the ocean

What significant role did stromatolites play in Earth's history?

• They were the first to migrate to land

• They were the first to develop complex eyes

• They were the first to form complex societies

• They were the first to capture photosynthesis

How did the Earth's oceans form according to the narrator?

• Through the melting of polar ice caps

• By the eruption of geysers

• From meteorite impacts

• Due to volcanic eruptions

What was the first organism to develop vision?

• Scorpions

• Trilobites

• Horseshoe crabs

• Frogs

Which event led to the diversification of life on land?

• The emergence of flowering plants

• The development of jaws and teeth

• The rise of birds

• The formation of tropical rainforests

What was a significant consequence of the breakup of Gondwana?

• The rise of tropical rainforests

• The emergence of mammals

• The formation of deserts

• The extinction of dinosaurs

What adaptation allowed some mammals to return to water?

• Development of gills

• Webbed feet

• Streamlined bodies

• Layers of fat

Which group of primates first ventured into the open?

• Lemurs

• Tarsiers

• Monkeys

• Apes

What is the significance of chlorophyll in the context of life on Earth?

• It is a key component of the atmosphere

• It forms the Earth's crust

• It powers the process of photosynthesis

• It is responsible for the Earth's gravity

What does the narrator suggest about the future of life on Earth?

• It will be dominated by a single species

• It is predetermined and unchangeable

• It will be shaped by human imagination and actions

• It will revert to its original state