NOVA (1974)
S44E26 Extreme Animal Weapons
Episode Overview
From the formidable claws of lobsters to the fierce teeth of dogs, every animal wields its own form of weaponry. Yet, some creatures possess weapons of such extreme proportions that they seem impractical, like the massive 40-pound antlers of bull elks or the disproportionately large horns of tiny rhinoceros beetles. What drives the evolution of such oversized tusks and claws, which can hinder an animal’s movement and impact its health? NOVA delves into this mystery, exploring a groundbreaking theory surrounding the dynamics of animal armament. From dung beetles to saber-toothed tigers, discover the common factors fueling these evolutionary arms races, as scientists unlock the biological secrets of nature’s fierce competition.
