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Elephants

Episode 6 of 12

Chris Packham explores what makes animal groups successful. How hairs keep elephants cool, how feet sensors guide them towards rain and how their mouths store water.

Chris Packham explores the anatomy and physiology of the largest land animal on the planet - the elephant. Their size seems ill-suited to surviving the most arid regions of Africa, but their inner workings allow them to defy the extreme heat of the desert and find food and water in seemingly barren landscapes, while their extraordinary memory enables them to repel predators.

Chris reveals how hairs on the skin help keep elephants cool, how sensors in their feet may be able to guide them towards rain and how a unique pouch in their mouths stores water. Recent research has even discovered that elephants can distinguish between the voices of human friend and foe.

29 minutes

Clip

Music Played

  • Sia

    Breathe Me

  • Sia

    Breathe Me

Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter Chris Packham
Executive Producer Jonny Keeling
Director Francis Welch
Producer Francis Welch
Series Producer Aaron Paul

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