Rise of the Mammals, The [VHS]*

• 1978 ----- color ----- 58 min ----- vhs
• (Life On Earth [VHS] series, Part 9) Beginning with the development of marsupials, David Attenborough explains how and why the most enterprising reptiles became mammals. He demonstrates the advantages placental mammals have over marsupials. Features parts 18, 19 & 20 of the 16mm film version of the 'Life On Earth' series.

  Part 18, The Rise of the Mammals: How and why the most enterprising reptiles became mammals is shown. Since marsupials, such as the platypus, have characteristics of both, they are presumed to be a link between the two. Small nocturnal insect-hunters are likely to be among the first mammals. Included is a rare glimpse of the birth of the smallest marsupial, as viewed through a glass-bottom nest (23 minutes).

  Part 19, The Marsupials: David Attenborough traces the evolution of marsupials in Australia whose development is parallel, to a great extent, to the development of mammals on other continents. Since the accidental isolation of the continents 45 million years ago, animals such as the kangaroo adapted to a change in climate. We also witness the birth of a red kangaroo (24 minutes).

  Part 20, Mammals of the Sea*: Placental mammals (including man and whales) have certain advantages over the marsupials. The womb offers more security than the pouch and the young, nourished by the placenta, are more developed at birth; therefore more independent. *includes just the first 7 minutes of the 16mm film version of 'The Mammals of the Sea.' See 'Theme and Variations [VHS]' for segments on whales & dolphins (7 minutes). (Restricted to use on University of Washington campuses only)

• Topics: (Marine Biology, Zoology)