Animal Life and Beyond
Science, Grades 7-12; eight 15-minute episodes.
Survey the animal kingdom and encourage students to revel in the infinite
intelligence of evolution. By illustrating different animals' means of adapting,
the series conveys the rich variety of alternatives to extinction.
101. Birds This episode looks at the theory of the development of birds
from reptiles. The program reveals the spectrum of birds—from hummingbirds to
hawks to penguins—while examining birds' similarities to and differences from
other life-forms.
102. The Food Chain This episode reveals the interrelationships between
plant life, herbivores, carnivores, omnivores, and scavengers. The program
suggests the association between size and numbers of organisms in relation to
their position in the food chain.
103. Heat and Living Beings This episode uncovers the temperature needs
and preferences of varied organisms while exploring the ways different plants
and animals have adapted to heat and cold. Displays the instinctive animal
behavior related to temperature.
104. Mammals, Part 1 This episode depicts the origins and the variety of
mammalian life. The process of human development is compared to that of other
mammals. The mouth and tooth structure of a variety of mammals is compared and
contrasted.
105. Mammals, Part 2 This episode reveals more specifics about the myriad
varieties of mammals and the scope of mammalian development—from the duckbilled
platypus to the human. Contrasts the sizes and capabilities of mammals.
106. Marine Life This episode explains why life began in the seas and
displays the abundance of life that still prospers there. Students will discover
the organisms residing in the two principal ocean zones and become aware of the
results of pollution in waterways.
107. Microscopic Life Forms This episode reveals the tremendous variety of
protista, fungi, and monera, as well as their importance to life on the planet.
Students will discover the importance of protozoa and bacteria that eat
decomposing matter, as well as uses for yeasts and algae.
108. Reptiles This episode establishes why reptiles live in warm temperate
climates, illuminating their actions and survival mechanisms. Demonstrates
dramatic variations among some reptiles' sense organs.
