Nature Season 9 Episode 8 Supersense: Making Sense (3)

Supersense, the nine-part mini-series on PBS's Nature show, is all about exploring the senses that animals have that humans lack. In the latest episode, Supersense: Making Sense (3), we delve deeper into the intricate world of sensory perception. From elephants' sensitive trunks to the incredible eyesight of horseshoe crabs, this episode is a fascinating exploration of the unique sensory abilities that animals have evolved to survive in their own environments.

First, we meet biologist Michaela Hempen, who works with elephant conservationists in Kenya. Hempen has been working to unlock the secrets of elephants' trunks, which are not only incredibly strong but also incredibly sensitive. She demonstrates how elephants use their trunks to smell water up to 20 miles away, and how they can use them to discover the whereabouts of other elephants in their herd. Using specialized cameras, Hempen captures footage of elephants' trunks in action, revealing just how intricate and delicate their sense of touch truly is.

Next, we travel to Washington state to learn about the eyesight of some of the ocean's most incredible creatures: horseshoe crabs. These ancient creatures have been around for millions of years, and their eyesight is as unique as they are. Kira Loomis, a marine biologist, explains how horseshoe crabs have eyes that have evolved to detect specific wavelengths of light, including UV light, which is invisible to the human eye. Their eyesight is so powerful that they can see stars in the middle of the day, and this ability helps them navigate along the ocean's floor.

The episode also explores the senses of some smaller critters, including bats and moths. Biologist Akito Kawahara explains how moths have evolved to evade bats, which hunt them relentlessly. He demonstrates how moths have developed sensitive hearing and a distinct type of camouflage that allows them to blend into their surroundings, making them more difficult for bats to find.

Finally, we meet a group of scientists who are studying the sense of smell in dogs. Dogs have long been valued for their sense of smell, which is thousands of times more powerful than our own. But how do they use their noses to detect everything from bombs to cancer? The scientists use specially designed equipment to study the way that dogs' noses work, revealing the incredible complexity of their sense of smell.

Overall, Supersense: Making Sense (3) is a fascinating look at the many ways that animals have evolved to sense and interpret the world around them. From elephants and horseshoe crabs to bats and moths, this episode is a tribute to the incredible ingenuity of the natural world.