Some creatures play hard and die young. Small bodies are more susceptible to heat loss need a lot of calories to stay warm. With high metabolisms, creatures like shrews, hummingbirds, and porpoises must devote their lives to eating and might perish between meals.
We've all heard of the Ox and the ass, and the donkey that carried Mary, but did you know gazelles are mentioned in the Bible? Or whales, lions, scorpions. A whole menagerie is featured. Some are creatures of the holy lands, but others have been selected for traits that make them ideal symbols.
Much loved, clowns of the sea, seals are endlessly fascinating. Agile hunters and graceful in the water, and yet bloated sausages on land, seals entertain us with dramatic courtships, an endless playful sense of curiosity, and some of the cutest fluffy white babies on the planet.
The mountains of North Carolina and Georgia became the perfect hideout for suspected bomber Eric Robert Rudolph. Relive this warped tale of one man on the run, outwitting some of the most skilled man-trackers in the business. And how the authorities finally brought the Olympic Bomber to justice.
Whatever you think of pigs, you’re probably underestimating one of the world’s most amazing animals. A year with wild boars and their relatives reveals a tender and dedicated matriarchal society, playful youngsters, and powerful warriors.
The faint red glow of Mars has intrigued those watching it from Earth for centuries. Now space exploration has begun to lift the veil on "The Red Planet", and upcoming missions to Mars are looking at Mars as a potential habitat for humans. Can we move to Mars in the next decade?
From the early attempts for the Great War to the visionary offerings to assist in space flight, aircraft designers have turned to unorthodox twin boom concepts as a viable option.
For over 35 years, the Sikorsky Blackhawk has been a reliable war horse for the U.S. Armed Forces–charging into hostile territory from the deserts of Iraq to the mountains of Afghanistan. After decades of upgrades, it remains one of the world's most sophisticated aircraft.
In Africa’s Great Rift Valley, lies a mysterious, toxic lake. Lake Natron’s red water reaches hellish temperatures and its chemistry is similar to ammonia. Yet despite the deadly conditions, a few species manage to do more than just survive -- they thrive.
Examining how renewed excitement about returning to the moon could lead to a colony.
With Germany's FW 190 terrorizing the skies of Europe, Britain and America merge the P-51 Mustang and the super Merlin engine to create the ultimate fighting machine.
The Lockheed Constellation, known as the "Connie," was one of the most elegant and aesthetically-pleasing aircraft to ever take flight. The iconic American airliner was the end product of a four-decade long search for the perfect airliner.
Host Derek Muller uncovers the mind-blowing secrets of spider vision! Discover how advanced color vision in jumping spiders has evolved in so many unique ways, and explore the wide spectrum of colors in their hidden world. You won't believe what these tiny creatures can see!
The F4U Corsair was an iconic and versatile fighter-bomber in both World War II and Korea. Could a modern jet live up to that reputation? The Vietnam-era A7 Corsair was designed more for an attack role than its legendary namesake, but it was every bit as successful.
This film reconstructs the life of famed marine biologist and environmental pioneer Jacques Cousteau using a fascinating mix of wildlife footage, archive material and re-enactments.
The Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci is one of the most famous paintings in the world. Her real name according to art history is “La Gioconda”. For many years though, there have been doubts: why did Leonardo not hand the portrait on to the commissioner if it was a picture of his wife?
It is early summer and wild places across the world, whether beaches, jungles, or mountains are preparing for summer school to begin. The arrival of baby animals is imminent, and they’ll have a lot to learn. Some kids spend a long time with mum while others have to figure things out for themselves.
Easter, one of the biggest events in the religious calendar, celebrated by millions and steeped in customs and traditions. Chicks, bunnies, and lambs have become integral to our celebrations, but how have these animals become a part of Easter tradition?
Deep within the Javan jungle, an expedition has set out in search of the last stand of the world’s rarest rhino. Once prolific across Asia, the Javan Rhino now exists only in Java, where photographer Toby Nowlan is on a mission to photograph the species in hopes of protecting it from extinction.
Mangroves are one of the most important habitats on Earth, vital to many of the planet’s most extraordinary, wonderful, and endangered species. Everything from shorebirds and sharks to monkeys and manatees relies on mangroves for their survival.
A behind the scenes look at the making of Fighting For Lincoln: The Wide Awakes.
In our hectic world so much seems to pass us by. All around us dramas are playing out, but they often happen so fast that we don’t even see it: blink and you’ll miss it. But when you slow down the action a whole new world is revealed.
Torch-lit marches down Main Street... at first glance, images like these conjure up some of America's darkest moments. But this wasn't the Klan. These black-clad torch-bearers were the Wide Awakes: a para-military political machine that some say delivered the presidency to Abraham Lincoln.
Humans have always strived to summit mountains, but the higher we climb, the less oxygen is available. In the most extreme peaks, death can come quickly -- for most. A few rare people can condition themselves to live at high altitude for long periods of time … and one man wants to find out, why?
