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Defying Gravity

Season 1 Episode 1 | 51m 40s

How do animals take to the air in the first place? Each of the incredible creatures we’ll meet has its own special techniques. But they must all overcome one of the planet’s most powerful and universal forces – gravity.

Aired: 06/28/16 | Expires: 01/01/20
Extras
A flock is one of the most spectacular sights in nature – but how does it work?
Every night an arms race is played out between bats and moths for domination of the sky.
For its size the Anna’s Hummingbird has the fastest courtship display in the animal world.
The Brazilian free-tailed bat is one of the most versatile flyers in the animal kingdom.
Albatross are masters of low cost, longhaul travel, using the power of the wind to fly.
To keep their huge bodies airborne, these beetles twist their wings for extra thrust.
The jumbo jet of the bird world needs a runway and carefully applied power.
Flying squirrels can find food fast in winter and short flights help them avoid owls.
For kangaroos, hopping is key to the most efficient form of locomotion on land.
It’ll be two weeks before they can fly. They have to jump for it.