Scientists believe that evolution has been shaped by major catastrophes that have almost extinguished all life on earth. Using the latest CGI and featuring scientific experts, Tony Robinson investigates these theories. 250 million years ago, 95% of life was wiped off the face of the Earth in the biggest extinction event ever. But what was responsible?

65 million years ago, the planet was rocked by yet another massive event when, seemingly out of nowhere, the mighty dinosaurs were suddenly wiped off the face of Earth.

650 million years ago Earth froze, pushing life to the edge of extinction.

The first programme is the story of Earth's difficult birth and how the formation of our moon set us on a unique course to being a planet ripe for life.

So far, humans have been lucky to not experience a catastrophe on a global scale. Though they are the most powerful species on this planet, it's easy to forget that the forces that wiped out many successful species in the past are still at work.