The BEST Episodes of The Life of Mammals
Every episode ever - ranked by fan votes!
Last Updated: Jan 14, 2020
Network: BBC One
David Attenborough looks at why mammals are the most successful creatures on the planet.
#1 - Chisellers
Season 1 - Episode 4 - Aired Dec 11, 2002
Special tools like chisel sharp front teeth and underground dwelling enable this group of mammals to feast on roots and seeds.
8.90 
#2 - Insect Hunters
Season 1 - Episode 2 - Aired Nov 27, 2002
Mammals from tiny shrews to giant anteaters have specialised in eating insects. Some have even pursued their prey into the skies.
8.61 
#3 - Life in the Trees
Season 1 - Episode 8 - Aired Jan 22, 2003
A range of adaptations from sucker-feet to gripping tails help the tree dwellers to survive, and in the dark forest super senses come in to play.
8.61 
#4 - Food for Thought
Season 1 - Episode 10 - Aired Feb 5, 2003
The natural world was transformed when one great ape began to walk upright - us. But why has this led to the development of our extraordinary brains?
8.50 
#5 - Plant Predators
Season 1 - Episode 3 - Aired Dec 4, 2002
The plant eaters take on the largely indigestible, spiny and poisonous defences of plants with some spectacular physical adaptations to diet.
8.46 
#6 - Return to the Water
Season 1 - Episode 7 - Aired Jan 15, 2003
With perfect streamlined bodies and great underwater speed, seals, dolphins, porpoises and whales became the new hunters of the sea..
8.45 
#7 - A Winning Design
Season 1 - Episode 1 - Aired Nov 20, 2002
From the tiniest bat to the massive blue whale, all mammals share the ability to nurture their young on milk and regulate their own temperatures.
8.19 
#8 - Meat Eaters
Season 1 - Episode 5 - Aired Dec 18, 2002
Predators and prey must evolve speed, endurance and manoeuvrability to outwit each other, and the pack hunters must maintain order in the ranks.
8.16 
#9 - Social Climbers
Season 1 - Episode 9 - Aired Jan 29, 2003
In the daily hubbub of monkey life, only those with a talent for social wheeler dealing get ahead, driving the shift towards larger brains.
7.46 
#10 - Opportunists
Season 1 - Episode 6 - Aired Jan 8, 2003
A mammal capable of having a varied diet can be highly adaptable and exploit new environments including the cities where they thrive.
7.39