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Themes and Variations

Episode 10 of 13

David Attenborough looks at some of the huge variety of mammals. The tree shrew has attracted great interest as it shows how mammals may have originated.

A little furry animal from the jungles of South East Asia, called a tree shrew, has attracted great interest from scientists because it shows how a great group of animals may have originated - the mammals.

David Attenborough looks at some of the huge variety of mammals. Bats number over a thousand species, many hunt insects, some sip nectar, drink blood, and even catch fish. Contrast those which use sonar with the great whales that sing, the star-nosed mole and the giant anteater, and the potential variations become dramatically clear.

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55 minutes

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Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter David Attenborough
Producer Richard Brock

Broadcasts

  • Tue 20 Mar 1979 20:10
  • Sun 25 Mar 1979 19:20
  • Tue 6 May 1980 19:35
  • Wed 6 Jan 1982 18:00
  • Mon 3 Nov 1986 19:35
  • Sun 19 Jul 1992 19:15
  • Fri 8 Feb 2013 16:15
  • Sat 1 Mar 2014 09:05

David Attenborough's favourite moments from 30 years of broadcasting

From close encounters with rare creatures to poignant insight on the state of the planet.