Episode 2 - The Whale
In this episode experts dissect a 20 metre, 50 tonne fin whale - second only in size to its 'cousin' the blue whale - that has died after being stranded off the coast of Ireland. It's a race against time as whale anatomist Joy Reidenberg flies in from New York before the animal's decomposition causes it to explode on the beach.
Veterinary scientist Mark Evans helps investigate its mysterious death and explores its extraordinary anatomy. Using whale-size machinery, Joy and the team set to work amidst gale force winds, driving rain, blood, intestines, evil smells and freezing conditions. Meanwhile, advancing tides engulf the whale, jeopardising the whole operation.
Beneath the blubber, the whale's incredible anatomy holds vital clues to its evolution from a wolf-sized animal that walked the land 50 million years ago. Richard Dawkins explains why the whales’ ancestors may have taken to the water and the evolutionary problems that had to be overcome to transform a four-legged mammal into an aquatic giant.
Episode 1 - The Elephant
How did evolution overcome the challenges of being as big as an elephant? And how did the elephant get the most versatile limb on the planet - the trunk?
Episode 2 - The Whale
Experts dissect a 20 metre, 50 tonne fin whale that has died after being stranded off the coast of Ireland. It's a race against time as whale anatomist Joy Reidenberg flies in from New York before the animal's decomposition causes it to explode on the beach.
Episode 3 - The Crocodile
Veterinary scientist Mark Evans joins experts in anatomy, evolution and behaviour in a bid to get under the skin of the crocodile, as biologist Simon Watt travels to Florida to test the huge strength of the massive reptile's bite: the most powerful in the animal kingdom.
Episode 4 - The Giraffe
Creationists question how this extraordinary creature could have evolved such a long neck, but for Professor Richard Dawkins the anatomy of the world's tallest animal provides some of the best arguments in favour of Darwinian natural selection.