Animal Atlas

- Season 8

(2011)

A look into the world of the "not great" apes-including the amazing singing siamangs, the sopranos of the forest-that are smaller than the great apes and often confused with monkeys.

A look at the rare mammals that live in the ocean, such as dolphins and whales, and how their food and environment make them appear and act unique.

The origin of animals' names and the interesting stories behind their meanings.

An animal's legs and feet can reveal information about its home, its food, and how it survives.

What makes a mammal a mammal? Hint: It isn't just feeding its young with milk. It's a whole lot more.

A look into the animals that live in our homes and on our farms and how they became domesticated.

A look into the reasons that some animal populations have dramatically decreased because of loss of habitat and climate change and what it means to be endangered.

A look into the animals that live in our homes and on our farms and how they became domesticated.

A look at the animals of Asia, such as tigers, great pandas, and great apes.

Grab your binoculars for this panoramic look at birds. We inspect their wings, beaks, feet, and how they fly. We'll also ask why the famed penguin and ostrich are flightless.

The most recognizable animals in America may be dogs, cats, and horses. What makes them unique and how did they become members of our families?

We explore two of the great apes of Africa: the lowland gorilla and the chimpanzee.

A look at animals, both unusual and familiar, from North and South America and an investigation into how they differ by continent.

A look at the evolution of zoos from the simple caging of animals for recreational viewing to the construction of animal habitats to give captive animals more physical and mental stimulation.

How animals have adapted to survive the wild.

A look at bears from all over, including the polar bear, American black bear, the brown bear, and more.

Enter the world of the domestic horse. Learn where horses come from, who their relatives are in the wild, how they range in size, and what they have been bred to do.

A rousing roundup of all the reptiles in the animal kingdom. First, what is a reptile? To answer that question, we have to travel way back in time, to the dinosaurs. We'll also look at who qualifies as a reptile and who doesn't.

What do cats and dogs have in common? For starters, they have both moved into our homes by the millions. But that's not all. From super senses to predatory behavior, cats and dogs share characteristics that might surprise you.

Is our tame, playful domestic cat really related to the authoritative, wild lion of the African savanna? Absolutely. We'll explore the incredible diversity of cats, and look at characteristics they all share.

Has man's best friend always been a friend? Ask the wolf. Dogs trace their history back to wild canines that man bred into loyal animals for working, hunting, and companionship.

Grab your fins and come swim with the fishes. No two fish species are alike, and some species called "fish" are anything but. Sounds fishy, doesn't it? From the tropics to the rocky seafloor, we'll shine a light on a variety of fins.

What's in a head? What's not? Animals sense the world through their heads, and judging from the vast variety of head shapes, sizes, and designs, they sense the world in unique ways.

Sure, a tail can be long, short, fluffy, or hairless, but how do animals use their tails? Are they merely decorative? No way. We'll show you the incredible ways that animals use their tails.

What does an animal mean? Tough question. Ever seen an eagle on a dollar bill? Or a bear on a state flag? How about a lion on a shield? Yes, for thousands of years man has made animals into symbols to convey a meaning.

Are you faster than a kangaroo? Can you outrun an elephant? What about a brown bear? Not so fast. We'll reveal the fastest and slowest creatures and explore animals' need for speed.