Life in the Air

★ 7.8•2016•1 Seasons•ANIME

Documentary

Examining the extraordinary physiology of animals who launch themselves into the air - whether winged or wingless; bearing feathers, fur, or scales; by day or night. Shot both in the field and on controlled sets, the series reveals the minute details of wing beats and the science of how a tiny Leaf Hopper pulls 500G on takeoff. Each episode concludes with a behind-the-scenes view of how it was made.

Top Cast

Suranne Jones

Self - Narrator (voice)

Episodes

Season:

1. Defying Gravity

58m

In Africa, a caracal catches birds in flight with a 'rocket-propelled' launch; in the Australian outback, a kangaroo's hop locates water in a vast desert; on an English farm, an insect accelerates at 700G with help from a clutch in its crotch; and high above the jungles of Borneo, a leaping snake's unique shape allows it to glide through the air without wings.

Aired: 4/3/2016

2. Masters of the Sky

58m

How peregrine falcons can top 200 miles an hour, a hummingbird is slave to its manic lifestyle, and the albatross's nose helps it fly for free; heavyweight beetles break the rules to find love; a devious sparrow-hawk executes a lightning-fast raid on his prey; and half a million mother bats dominate air space both above and below the ground with dazzling aerial prowess.