1.1 Introduction
In the 18th and 19th century evolutionary biologists, including Darwin, emphasised the similarities between natural evolution and artificial ‘ improvement’ of livestock under domestication. They believed that studying domesticated animals and plants could illuminate the mechanisms of natural evolution.
Author(s): The Open University

2.1 Introduction
In the 18th and 19th century evolutionary biologists, including Darwin, emphasised the similarities between natural evolution and artificial ‘ improvement’ of livestock under domestication. They believed that studying domesticated animals and plants could illuminate the mechanisms of natural evolution.
Author(s): The Open University

4.1 Introduction
In the 18th and 19th century evolutionary biologists, including Darwin, emphasised the similarities between natural evolution and artificial ‘ improvement’ of livestock under domestication. They believed that studying domesticated animals and plants could illuminate the mechanisms of natural evolution.
Author(s): The Open University

Introduction

We have divided the collection under the following headings:

1. Evolution and natural selection

2. Animals at the extremes

3. Studying mammals

4. How Darwin has influenced others

These sub-sections can be navigated around by using the section breakdown list on the right-hand of the screen. Within the sections you will see a list of units that appear elsewhere on the OpenLearn site, click on the link and
Author(s): Creator not set

Introduction
Who were our ancestors? How are apes and humans related? And where does the extinct Homo erectus fit into the puzzle? In this unit we will examine culture, tool use and social structure in both apes and humans to gain an understanding of where we come from and why we behave as we do. This is the tenth unit in the ‘Studying mammals’ series.
Author(s): The Open University

Introduction

This unit will introduce you to the law making process in Scotland. It is drawn from the Open University course W150 An introduction to law in contemporary Scotland. The Scottish legal system and many aspects of the law in Scotland are different from those in England and Wales. Like the law of England and Wales, Scots law today represents centuries of development and growth. Its evolution has been influenced by many factors, social and economic, the effects of war and religious change,
Author(s): No creator set

12 More information about W150 An introduction to law in contemporary Scotland
Many aspects of the law in Scotland are different from those of England and Wales. Centuries of development and growth have been influenced by factors unique to Scotland, resulting in a legal system that is distinct from those of its neighbours. This unit explores the legal history of Scotland, the Scottish Parliament and its relationship with the UK Parliament.
Author(s): The Open University

Introduction
Monkeys have long fascinated us because of their similarities to the human race. In this unit you will find out about some of the characteristics that make them so like us: their physiology, complex social interactions, large brains and intelligence. This is the ninth unit in the ‘Studying mammals’ series.
Author(s): The Open University

Introduction
Some of the most unusual and versatile of all the mammals are the groups that live, feed and reproduce underwater. In this unit we will see how these formerly land-based mammals adapted to a return to the water, discussing such challenges as breathing, movement and communication. This is the seventh unit in the ‘Studying mammals’ series.
Author(s): The Open University

Introduction

This unit explores a wide range of children's experiences, a number of different services, and interviews with a number of key practitioners. It features voluntary as well as statutory work with children, and tries to capture some of the details of everyday life for children, parents and practitioners.

The associated video material features children, practitioners and practice in the Plus organisation based in Stirling, Scotland. Looking at the overview of the Plus organisation in
Author(s): No creator set

Introduction
Many mammals are food specialists, with complex adaptations that gear them toward a particular food source. So how do the omnivores survive and prosper without these fancy evolutionary features? This unit examines the physiology, diet and strategies of some of these opportunistic feeders. It is the sixth unit in the ‘Studying mammals’ series.
Author(s): The Open University

Introduction
The powerful and majestic carnivores are the focus of many television documentaries. In this unit we will delve into the lives of these fearsome hunters and explore their physical adaptations and social behaviour. This is the fifth unit in the ‘Studying mammals’ series.
Author(s): The Open University

Introduction
From the mouse-deer to the elephant, plant eaters come in all shapes and sizes. But how do they manage to flourish on a salad diet? In this unit we will examine the special features that allow them to extract their nutrients from leaves, and see how some plants protect themselves from these predators. This is the fourth unit in the ‘Studying mammals’ series.
Author(s): The Open University

8.1 Introduction
From the mouse-deer to the elephant, plant eaters come in all shapes and sizes. But how do they manage to flourish on a salad diet? In this unit we will examine the special features that allow them to extract their nutrients from leaves, and see how some plants protect themselves from these predators. This is the fourth unit in the ‘Studying mammals’ series.
Author(s): The Open University

Introduction
Ever wondered why rats, mice and squirrels seem to reproduce at such an alarming rate? Rodents are among the most successful of all the mammal groups. In this unit you will learn more about some of the evolutionary features that make these creatures so plentiful. This is the third unit in the ‘Studying mammals’ series.
Author(s): The Open University

3.1 Introduction
Ever wondered why rats, mice and squirrels seem to reproduce at such an alarming rate? Rodents are among the most successful of all the mammal groups. In this unit you will learn more about some of the evolutionary features that make these creatures so plentiful. This is the third unit in the ‘Studying mammals’ series.
Author(s): The Open University

Introduction
From pygmy shrews to armadillos, a wide range of mammals survive on a diet made up largely of insects. Many of these have fascinating adaptations suited to catching or rooting out their prey. In this unit you will learn about these adaptations, along with survival strategies for when food is scarce. This is the second unit in the ‘Studying mammals’ series.
Author(s): The Open University

3.1 Introduction
From pygmy shrews to armadillos, a wide range of mammals survive on a diet made up largely of insects. Many of these have fascinating adaptations suited to catching or rooting out their prey. In this unit you will learn about these adaptations, along with survival strategies for when food is scarce. This is the second unit in the ‘Studying mammals’ series.
Author(s): The Open University

5.1 Introduction
From pygmy shrews to armadillos, a wide range of mammals survive on a diet made up largely of insects. Many of these have fascinating adaptations suited to catching or rooting out their prey. In this unit you will learn about these adaptations, along with survival strategies for when food is scarce. This is the second unit in the ‘Studying mammals’ series.
Author(s): The Open University

Introduction
Sunset Song was written in the early 1930s and is still one of the best-known and most-debated Scottish novels. In this unit, we discuss whether Sunset Song succeeds as critique of capitalism and whether it has value as a work of literature separate from its propagandistic ambitions.
Author(s): The Open University