Life on Earth showcases tremendous diversity, but why are there so many types of organisms living today, and how is it that they are so acutely tuned to their roles in the environment? Are species fixed and immutable, or has life changed over time? As we race to find answers, we discover fossils and mass extinction events, and we are forced to wonder how we, as humans, may be creating the 6th extinction. We will explore the foundational concepts of evolutionary biology, from Charles Darwin’s pioneering work to the modern era rich with techniques that allow us to see deeper into Earth’s history. Together, we will investigate how new species emerge, explore the causes and consequences of extinction events, and analyze the fossil record and molecular fingerprints for clues about life’s ancestry. By the end of the course, you will have a deeper understanding of the processes shaping biodiversity and the ongoing quest to unlock the Tree of Life. This course is a must for anyone fascinated by the complexity of life and the forces that have shaped the diversity of organisms through time.