Animal Atlas

- Season 7

(2012)

A closer look at animal noses and the sense of smell. We sniff out animals, like the elephant, with noses that have developed into much more.

An exploration of the life inside tropical rain forests. First, we ask what defines a rain forest? Where are rain forests located? What animals live there?

Are apes and monkeys the same? No, but they have a lot in common. We zoom in on the differences between these two branches of primates - and go even further.

An in depth exploration of New World monkeys. First, we explore the New World, and look at how the flora, fauna, and monkeys of the Americas differ from their Old World counterparts.

A panoramic survey of the ruminants, from giraffes to deer to cattle to antelopes to goats to sheep - and more. We divvy the ungulates into groups based on the number of toes they have.

All about tigers: the various species and how they differ in terms of size, habitat, location, and diet. We meet animals brave enough to live in tiger territory, and compare tigers to the rest of the members of the cat family.

A panoramic look at invertebrates and insects. First, a basic overview of how invertebrates and vertebrates are different, beyond the obvious prefix, "-in." Then, we delve into the world of the largest group of animals.

A rollicking and informative romp through the world of those scary "S" creatures: spiders, snakes, scorpions and sharks. We take a closer look at the two arachnids, the fish, and the reptile on the list.

What's extraordinary and fascinating about bats? How about this: they're the only mammal that can fly. Or this: they use echolocation to find their way around at night. Some are micro bats and some are mega bats.

We look closely at the relationship between water and animals that aren't fish. With webbed feet, air-tight nostrils, flippers, and flukes, a fascinating variety of animals are specially adapted for life in or near the water.

What constitutes an animal family? You might be surprised. A taxonomic family includes animals grouped together because they share characteristics-but don't count on all family members looking alike.

We're social. Are other animal social, too? Do some animals live together, play together, and need each other to survive and thrive? You bet.

Carnivores come in a variety of shapes and sizes. We'll look at carnivores who either live or simply feed in the water. From the enormous whale shark to the bald eagle, jaguar, and playful otter.

What makes a bird special? What doesn't? From flight, to feathers, to beaks, bills, feet, diet, size, and habitat, birds are various and fascinating the world over.

Why do we love monkeys? Well, they make funny faces, live in trees, have dexterous hands, and athletic manner of moving through the branches.

A close look at three behemoths: the elephant, rhino, and hippo. All are enormous and all are related-in more ways than one.

How is color used in the animal kingdom? Certainly to attract, but also to conceal. What about color signifies the rank? Ask the silver back gorilla about that one.

How do we first learn about animals? We observe them, a lesson we can take from the observant orangutan. We'll learn how animals observe the world and how we can observe them, and specifically, what we need to look for.

In the bird world, no two creatures could be more different than the penguin and the flamingo. For fun, we'll explore the life of each of our feathered friends, and in so doing, reveal the great range and variety inherent in the bird world.

The human world sure spreads a lot of rumors about the animal world-of which we are a part, of course. We explore a few of these rumors and ask are they "So True," or "So False," or maybe a little bit of both?

Animals may seem to change in only one way-they grow up and grow old. But animals also evolve and adapt, though this process can take many generations. We'll reveal some of the most incredible adaptations in the animal world.

What animals rose to distinction after the disappearance of the dinosaurs? Many of them are alive today, and many of them were alive during the time of the dinosaurs.

Diet aside, what makes a carnivore different from an herbivore? How about teeth and claws? We take an up close look at the variety of meat-eating, prey-catching characteristics of the carnivores.

Don't call them dirty. We'll show you why pigs are smart, cute, and if not squeaky clean, at least neat and tidy. We'll also look at how pigs became domesticated and meet some of their wild relatives, including-surprise-the hippo.

Louisville Zoo - Louisville, Kentucky.

The Dallas Zoo and Dallas World Aquarium sure support the cliche that everything is big in Texas. We visit these two extraordinary zoological parks to find, among other habitat.