Life Of Mammals, The - Part 1

The Life of Mammals is a thorough and entertaining overview of one of evolution's greatest success stories: the rise of mammals. In a clear and concise way, presenter David Attenborough and his team of wildlife cameramen introduce the viewer to many of the myriad species of mammals alive today. Episode 1 begins with the basics in "A Winning Design", clarifying what makes a mammal different from reptiles and birds--no, it isn't egg-laying: both the platypus and the echidna are egg-laying mammals; it's their ability to adapt. And it's this adaptability that becomes the crux of the remainder of the series. "Insect Hunters" focuses on mammals who have specifically adapted to eating insects, from the giant anteater and the armoured armadillo to bats, which have evolved into complex and effective hunters. "Plant Predators" demonstrates the particular (and often peculiar) adaptations of herbivores; "Chisellers" is about those mammals who feed primarily on roots and seeds, ranging from tree-dwelling squirrels to opportunistic mice and rats; and "Meat Eaters" talks about the evolutionary arms race that exists between predators and prey, and the unique adaptations of both individual and pack hunters. The series continues in Part 2 --Robert Burrow