Main content
Sorry, this episode is not currently available

Defying Gravity

Episode 1 of 3

Documentary series exploring how animals effortlessly beat gravity, from the African caracal's 'rocket-propelled' launch to the Australian kangaroo's hop.

With the help of some surprising creatures from around the world, this series sets out to discover how animals take to the air, defying the force all airborne animals must conquer, gravity.

In Africa, a caracal's 'rocket-propelled' launch enables it to catch birds in flight. In the Australian outback, a kangaroo's hop is key to finding water in a desert of over a million square kilometres. On an English farm, an insect's ultimate ejector seat accelerates it to 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, even without wings.

58 minutes

Last on

Sat 11 Mar 2023 10:00

More episodes

Previous

You are at the first episode

See all episodes from Life in the Air

Music Played

  • Berk and The Virtual Band

    Change

Credits

Role Contributor
Narrator Suranne Jones
Series Producer James Brickell

Broadcasts

Featured in...

How the sequences in Life in the Air have been created

Get a unique perspective on a sparrowhawk hunt.

Gallery