Why Elephants Can't Dance
Dr Mark Miodownik explains how scientists have pieced together some of the physical rules that govern the strength, lifespan and dance moves of animals.
How can a hamster survive falling from the top of a skyscraper, ants carry over 100 times their own body weight and geckos climb across the ceiling?
In the first of this year's Christmas lectures, Dr Mark Miodownik investigates why size matters in animal behaviour. He reveals how the science of materials - the stuff from which everything is made - can explain some of the most extraordinary and surprising feats in the animal kingdom.
By the end, you will understand why you will never see an elephant dance.
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Clips
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How Do Geckos Stick To Walls?
Duration: 03:49
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A Tug Of War To Separate Two Books
Duration: 02:15
Credits
Role | Contributor |
---|---|
Presenter | Mark Miodownik |
Series Producer | David Kendall |
Executive Producer | David Dugan |
Broadcasts
- Tue 28 Dec 2010 20:00
- Wed 29 Dec 2010 03:05
- Sun 29 Apr 2012 19:00
- Sun 29 Apr 2012 23:45
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