The Life of Mammals (2002)
David Attenborough presents a nature documentary series looking at why mammals are the most successful creatures on the planet.
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Episode 1 - A Winning Design
Release Date: 2002-11-20From the tiniest bat to the massive blue whale, all mammals share the ability to nurture their young on milk and regulate their own temperatures.
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Episode 2 - Insect Hunters
Release Date: 2002-11-27Mammals from tiny shrews to giant anteaters have specialised in eating insects. Some have even pursued their prey into the skies.
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Episode 3 - Plant Predators
Release Date: 2002-12-04The plant eaters take on the largely indigestible, spiny and poisonous defences of plants with some spectacular physical adaptations to diet.
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Episode 4 - Chisellers
Release Date: 2002-12-11Special tools like chisel sharp front teeth and underground dwelling enable this group of mammals to feast on roots and seeds.
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Episode 5 - Meat Eaters
Release Date: 2002-12-18Predators and prey must evolve speed, endurance and manoeuvrability to outwit each other, and the pack hunters must maintain order in the ranks.
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Episode 6 - Opportunists
Release Date: 2003-01-08A mammal capable of having a varied diet can be highly adaptable and exploit new environments including the cities where they thrive.
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Episode 7 - Return to the Water
Release Date: 2003-01-15With perfect streamlined bodies and great underwater speed, seals, dolphins, porpoises and whales became the new hunters of the sea..
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Episode 8 - Life in the Trees
Release Date: 2003-01-22A 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.
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Episode 9 - Social Climbers
Release Date: 2003-01-29In the daily hubbub of monkey life, only those with a talent for social wheeler dealing get ahead, driving the shift towards larger brains.
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Episode 10 - Food for Thought
Release Date: 2003-02-05The 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?