Cosmos: Possible Worlds Season 1 Episode 9 The Lost Worlds of Planet Earth

In the ninth episode of Cosmos: Possible Worlds season 1, titled "The Lost Worlds of Planet Earth," host Neil deGrasse Tyson takes the audience on a journey through time to explore the ancient lost worlds of our planet. Tyson begins by explaining how the Earth's surface was very different in the past due to powerful geological forces, which caused continents to shift and oceans to rise and fall.

Tyson then introduces the concept of plate tectonics, which is the scientific theory that the Earth's outer shell is made up of various plates that move and interact with each other. He explains how, over millions of years, these plates have formed and shifted and caused the rise and fall of mountains, the formation of oceans, and the creation of new land masses.

The episode then takes a closer look at some of these lost worlds, starting with the ancient supercontinent of Pangaea. Tyson explains how Pangaea formed about 300 million years ago and was made up of all the Earth's continents joined together. He describes the remarkable array of life that thrived on Pangaea, including giant insects, towering plants, and bizarre reptiles.

The show then turns its attention to other lost worlds, such as the Tethys Sea, which once covered much of what is now Asia, and the shallow seas that covered much of North America during the time of the dinosaurs. Tyson uses stunning visuals and animations to recreate these lost worlds, bringing the past to life in a way that is both informative and awe-inspiring.

As the episode progresses, Tyson also explores the impact that these lost worlds have had on the evolution of life on Earth. He talks about the way in which the shifting plates have caused speciation, the process by which new species arise, and he examines some of the creatures that have evolved in response to these changing environmental conditions.

The episode concludes with a discussion of the role that humans are playing in shaping the future of our planet. Tyson presents a compelling vision of the future, in which humans work together to solve pressing environmental problems and create a sustainable future for all life on Earth.

Overall, "The Lost Worlds of Planet Earth" is an engaging and informative episode of Cosmos: Possible Worlds season 1 that will appeal to both science lovers and general audiences alike. It combines stunning visuals with fascinating scientific explanations to create a unique and compelling exploration of the lost worlds of our planet.