The Life of Mammals(2002)

8.3
1 Seasons
Documentary

Overview

David Attenborough presents a nature documentary series looking at why mammals are the most successful creatures on the planet.

Episodes

A Winning Design
Ep 1

A Winning Design

From the tiniest bat to the massive blue whale, all mammals share the ability to nurture their young on milk and regulate their own temperatures.

20/11/200258 min
Insect Hunters
Ep 2

Insect Hunters

Mammals from tiny shrews to giant anteaters have specialised in eating insects. Some have even pursued their prey into the skies.

27/11/200258 min
Plant Predators
Ep 3

Plant Predators

The plant eaters take on the largely indigestible, spiny and poisonous defences of plants with some spectacular physical adaptations to diet.

04/12/200258 min
Chisellers
Ep 4

Chisellers

Special tools like chisel sharp front teeth and underground dwelling enable this group of mammals to feast on roots and seeds.

11/12/200258 min
Meat Eaters
Ep 5

Meat Eaters

Predators and prey must evolve speed, endurance and manoeuvrability to outwit each other, and the pack hunters must maintain order in the ranks.

18/12/200258 min
Opportunists
Ep 6

Opportunists

A mammal capable of having a varied diet can be highly adaptable and exploit new environments including the cities where they thrive.

08/01/200358 min
Return to the Water
Ep 7

Return to the Water

With perfect streamlined bodies and great underwater speed, seals, dolphins, porpoises and whales became the new hunters of the sea..

15/01/200358 min
Life in the Trees
Ep 8

Life in the Trees

A range of adaptations from sucker-feet to gripping tails help the tree dwellers to survive, and in the dark forest super senses come in to play.

22/01/200358 min
Social Climbers
Ep 9

Social Climbers

In the daily hubbub of monkey life, only those with a talent for social wheeler dealing get ahead, driving the shift towards larger brains.

29/01/200358 min
Food for Thought
Ep 10

Food for Thought

The natural world was transformed when one great ape began to walk upright - us. But why has this led to the development of our extraordinary brains?

05/02/200358 min

Show Info

StatusEnded
NetworkBBC One
TypeMiniseries

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