Secrets Of Skin

Catching up on Secrets Of Skin?

Don't want to miss an episode anymore? Set up a free alarm and receive an email when new episodes are available. Handy!

Season 1
Whether they live on land, in the sea, or in subterranean communities, skin is critical in allowing animals to sense the world around them, be it to find food, navigate harsh environments or avoid danger.
From quills to camouflage to deadly toxins, skin has evolved to defend animals against attack. Professor Ben Garrod explores the armour and weaponry vertebrate skin has adapted to deploy.
While humans rely largely on speech to communicate, most other animals use their skin to send out messages to their own species and warning signals to others.
Skin is the external barrier between animals and the outside world, protecting vertebrates from extremes of temperature, the harmful effects of UV and a host of living organisms that want to get in.
Professor Ben Garrod explores how adaptations on and in the skin allow birds to fly, sharks to be built for speed and sugar gliders to take to the air.
Professor Ben Garrod explores the evolution of the body's largest organ skin, starting with how the same basic structure has allowed vertebrates to conquer every corner of the planet.
Archive