The Life of Mammals

S01E04: Chisellers

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

Overview

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

Episodes

A Winning Design

S01E01 A Winning Design

November 20, 2002 9.0 58 min
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.
Insect Hunters

S01E02 Insect Hunters

November 27, 2002 8.0 58 min
Mammals from tiny shrews to giant anteaters have specialised in eating insects. Some have even pursued their prey into the skies.
Plant Predators

S01E03 Plant Predators

December 4, 2002 7.5 58 min
The plant eaters take on the largely indigestible, spiny and poisonous defences of plants with some spectacular physical adaptations to diet.
Chisellers

S01E04 Chisellers

December 11, 2002 8.0 58 min
Special tools like chisel sharp front teeth and underground dwelling enable this group of mammals to feast on roots and seeds.
Meat Eaters

S01E05 Meat Eaters

December 18, 2002 7.5 58 min
Predators and prey must evolve speed, endurance and manoeuvrability to outwit each other, and the pack hunters must maintain order in the ranks.
Opportunists

S01E06 Opportunists

January 8, 2003 8.0 58 min
A mammal capable of having a varied diet can be highly adaptable and exploit new environments including the cities where they thrive.
Return to the Water

S01E07 Return to the Water

January 15, 2003 8.0 58 min
With perfect streamlined bodies and great underwater speed, seals, dolphins, porpoises and whales became the new hunters of the sea..
Life in the Trees

S01E08 Life in the Trees

January 22, 2003 9.0 58 min
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.
Social Climbers

S01E09 Social Climbers

January 29, 2003 9.0 58 min
In the daily hubbub of monkey life, only those with a talent for social wheeler dealing get ahead, driving the shift towards larger brains.
Food for Thought

S01E10 Food for Thought

February 5, 2003 8.5 58 min
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?

Cast

David Attenborough
David Attenborough
Self - Presenter

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