Animals have to be smart to survive. Chris Packham reveals the natural world’s surprising brainboxes and uncovers the clever strategies that give certain species the upper hand.
EPISODE 1
Masterminds
Chris Packham investigates how nature's masterminds measure up against human brain power. Looking at a variety of animals, such as ravens, crows, bees and starlings, Chris explores how different animals can use tools and solve complex puzzles.
EPISODE 2
Communicators
Chris Packham reveals some of the cleverest animal communicators on the planet. For decades, people have longed to emulate Dr Doolittle and be able to understand what animals are communicating to one another.
EPISODE 3
Builders
Chris reveals some of the best animal builders in the world, a group that is incredibly varied. Accomplished animal architects include everything from beavers to bees and prairie dogs to bowerbirds.
EPISODE 4
Social Networkers
Chris Packham looks at social intelligence in the animal kingdom, and finds out why it is that, for animals, being together means being clever. He looks at how lions hunt in teams, in which each holds a very specific position.
EPISODE 5
Con Artists
Chris Packham reveals the intelligent cons and deceitful behaviour that animals use to survive and prosper in the game of life, from disguising themselves to outwit predators to kidnapping babies to save their own offspring.
EPISODE 6
Travellers
In this episode Chris Packham discovers the clever methods that animals use to travel from A to B and how they find their way. Whether it is a local trip to find food or an epic journey to reach a safe place to have young, every traveller must work out where to go and the most energy-efficient way to get there. Now, the latest scientific research is helping uncover just how they do it, from creating mental maps of their environment to planning their route with precision.
Chris Packham
James Vale
Joanne Stevens
Rosemary Edwards
