The Life of Mammals
The Life of Mammals
2002
1 Season
8.3
Documentary

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

Episodes

A Winning Design
E1Nov 20, 200258m

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.

Insect Hunters
E2Nov 27, 200258m

Insect Hunters

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

Plant Predators
E3Dec 4, 200258m

Plant Predators

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

Chisellers
E4Dec 11, 200258m

Chisellers

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

Meat Eaters
E5Dec 18, 200258m

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.

Opportunists
E6Jan 8, 200358m

Opportunists

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
E7Jan 15, 200358m

Return to the Water

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

Life in the Trees
E8Jan 22, 200358m

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.

Social Climbers
E9Jan 29, 200358m

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.

Food for Thought
E10Feb 5, 200358m

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?

Top Cast

David Attenborough

David Attenborough

Self - Presenter