NOVA Season 8 Episode 21 Animal Olympians

Animal Olympians is the 21st episode of season 8 of NOVA. It is a fascinating exploration of the incredible physical abilities of some of the world's most extraordinary animals. From the power of the cheetah to the endurance of the camel, viewers are taken on a journey through the animal kingdom to witness the incredible athletic prowess of creatures both great and small.

The episode shines a spotlight on the process of selective breeding and how humans have been able to create new breeds of animals with heightened athletic abilities. The segment on greyhounds and horse racing is particularly interesting. We learn how these animals have been bred to excel in their respective sports and how their exceptional speed has allowed them to earn millions of dollars in prize money.

Another unique aspect of the show is the examination of how different animals have adapted to survive in their respective environments. For example, the segment on kangaroos highlights how their powerful hind legs make them excellent jumpers, allowing them to traverse long distances across Australia's vast deserts. Similarly, we learn how dolphins have adapted to live in water and how their streamlined shape and powerful tail allows them to outpace almost any other sea creature.

The segment on birds is particularly mesmerizing, as it showcases the incredible aerial abilities of creatures like the peregrine falcon. These birds can dive at speeds of up to 240 miles per hour, making them the fastest animal on the planet. The show explores the different techniques that birds use to fly, from the hummingbird's rapid wing flaps to the soaring glide of the albatross. It's both a breathtaking and informative look at how our feathered friends have been able to take to the skies.

Throughout the episode, we are introduced to animal trainers and researchers who explain how they are able to harness the physical abilities of certain creatures. We learn how one trainer has taught a group of sea lions to navigate complex obstacle courses and how a team of scientists was able to study the swimming technique of a shark to improve human swimwear design. These examples demonstrate how humans have been able to learn from animals and apply their knowledge to improve our own athletic abilities.

Overall, Animal Olympians is a captivating and educational exploration of the physical abilities of animals. It's an excellent choice for anyone interested in science, biology, or just loves animals. It's a reminder of how extraordinary the natural world can be and how much we can learn from the creatures that inhabit it.