Animal DNA

Learn about majestic cats from around the globe Explore what makes different members of the feline family unique from household kittens to fearsome predators  and how they adapt to the radically different environments they evolved to thrive in

It is well known that humans best friend evolved from the wolf but what characteristics and traits do dogs still share with their wild counterparts Explore how our loyal companions evolved beside us and what other animals belong to the species Canis Familiaris

The astounding variety of birds and their different adaptations means that while some can take to the sky others are earthbound From ostriches to penguins how do flightless birds navigate without aviation What advantages might this give them and why do some birds retain the ability to fly

From polar bears to panda bears these cute but deadly creatures have evolved to be some of the most fearsome hunters on the planet Although there are many species of bears spread throughout the world their superior strength and aggressive nature often puts them at the top of the food chain

The African plains are home to some of the most unusual animals on the planet In this episode we investigate giraffes zebras and hippos These radically different animals use their evolutionary adaptations to live and thrive among deadly predators

Investigate three of the largest members of the animal kingdom elephants manatees and rhinos These mighty creatures of land and sea are endangered primarily due to poaching by human predators and humancaused habitat loss These giants need protection so that future generations may witness their greatness

Dolphins whales swordfish and turtles are just some of the residents of our vast oceans but these fascinating creatures continually inspire our imaginations with their amazing abilities Dolphins are considered to be the most intelligent animals other than humans while the largest whales can weigh up to 140 tons

The world of primates is vast It consists of many different classifications and more than 250 species including human beings As our closest relatives in the animal kingdom primates share many similarities with us such as their opposable thumbs and keen intellects

The domestication of all sorts of animals was imperative to the rise of human civilizations Without horses for transportation dogs for hunting and herding and cattle for meat and dairy the landscape we live in today would look radically different

Venom is one of the most potent evolutionary defenses among living creatures It deters predators and it incapacitates prey as well Nature will often add a warning label to these deadly creatures in the form of bright and extravagant colors a cautionary signal that messing with them is a bad idea

The smallest rodents weigh less than a pound while the largest can weigh up to 175 pounds Some live underground some in forests and some have adapted to living in our urban cities While their incredibly fast reproduction makes them ideal prey they can also easily overpopulate their environments turning them into pests

Opossums skunks rabbits and kangaroos are scientifically classified as different species but the similarities in appearance could have some people fooled From marsupials to mammals these critters are very different in their evolutionary adaptations

What creatures lurk beneath the surface of our expansive oceans Examine crustaceans corals and octopi as we discover how they have adapted to life on the ocean floor While lobsters have hard exterior shells hermit crabs have to forage for their homes Coral reefs stand as captivating and intricate ecosystems Global warming is harshly compromising the health and diversity of coral ecosystems

Camels llamas moose and elk all have visual similarities but what else is similar among these different species They live in vastly different environments across the globe from scorching deserts to dense forests but although they have different habitats they share some remarkable evolutionary similarities

Crocodiles chameleons and lizards all share a scaly exterior but the reptilian species is a diverse and varied classification From regenerating tails to sticky tongues these fascinating creatures have extreme adaptations that allow them to successfully navigate their environments 

This episode scales down to examine the tiny critters that live among us From butterflies to beetles it is easy to overlook these miniature marvels but they have large and vital roles in their environment They pollinate the fauna and recycle nutritious materials that are vital to the health of their environments

The Hymenoptera order includes wellknown insects such as ants wasps and bees It is one of the most varied in the animal kingdom and the role these insects play in their environments is vital Commonly living in colonies the collaboration of these animals is fascinating and imperative to their survival

After the Sun goes down the Earth teems with nocturnal creatures that live their entire lives while humans sleep They navigate the darkness using their senses like the owl with its superior eyesight or the bat with its sensitive hearing

Horses have existed on Earth for 50 million years evolving from small animals with many toes to the hoofed animals we know today Their monocular vision and independently moving ears allow them to sense stealthy predators Horses are adapted to run allowing them to quickly escape predators Their strength and speed are a big reason they were domesticated by humans starting around 4000 BCE

The term fish is broadly used to describe species that live beneath the waters surface have fins not feet nor fingers and use gills for respiration Within this classification there is a vast array of different animals They can live in freshwater or saltwater environments have skeletons made of bone or cartilage and use fins for movement and balance As youll see fish are fascinating

Having descended from dinosaurs birds are the most varied class of all vertebrates There are more than 5000 different species of many shapes and sizes Some are adapted to sea life with large beaks capable of scooping up fish while others have beaks more adapted to foraging for berries or drinking nectar While most are able to soar in the sky some such as penguins and emus are landbound

Many species across the animal kingdom have developed hard exteriors as a primary form of defense against predators or in some cases as a mobile home From mollusks on the ocean floor to landdwelling pangolins shells are unique armor used in their race for survival Examples include lobsters crabs snails clams mussels oysters turtles tortoises and the seadwelling nautilus cephalopod

Waterfowl are waterloving birds such as swans ducks and geese the differences can often be confusing because of their similar appearance The main classification that differentiates these birds is size as well as the length of their necks Waterfowl can dive underwater and ducks can flip upside down to find food They help control the populations of insects and plants in their habitats

Found on all continents except Antarctica birds of prey are formidable rulers of the skies hunting from above with deadly accuracy They vary from nocturnal to diurnal and are often opportunistic hunters Their razorsharp beaks and claws allow them to efficiently capture their prey Birds of prey include eagles owls hawks falcons ospreys vultures kites buzzards harriers and kestrels