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Australia’s Greatest Leapers Defy Gravity

Season 1 | 3m 52s

Hopping is key to the most efficient form of locomotion on land. Unlike running animals, when a kangaroo speeds up its legs don’t have to move faster. Simply by altering the angle of take off they can increase the distance they fly with each hop.

Extras
How do flying creatures outfly each other to survive in the crowed world of the sky?
For its size the Anna’s Hummingbird has the fastest courtship display in the animal world.
Every night an arms race is played out between bats and moths for domination of the sky.
A flock is one of the most spectacular sights in nature – but how does it work?
How do the planets strongest flyers push the limits of flight right to the very edge?
The Brazilian free-tailed bat is one of the most versatile flyers in the animal kingdom.
The jumbo jet of the bird world needs a runway and carefully applied power.
To keep their huge bodies airborne, these beetles twist their wings for extra thrust.
Albatross are masters of low cost, longhaul travel, using the power of the wind to fly.
Caracals are adapted to catch birds in flight and capable of leaping up to 3m high.
Latest Episodes
How do flying creatures outfly each other to survive in the crowed world of the sky?
How do the planets strongest flyers push the limits of flight right to the very edge?
How do animals overcome one of the planet’s most powerful and universal forces – gravity?