Prehistoric Autopsy

Watch Prehistoric Autopsy

  • Not Rated
  • 2015
  • 1 Season
  • 7.4  (56)

Prehistoric Autopsy is a fascinating and educational documentary which aired on CuriosityStream in 2012. The show follows a team of experts as they use cutting-edge scientific techniques and technology to bring prehistoric creatures to life in stunning detail. With the help of a CGI model, anatomist Alice Roberts, evolutionary biologist George McGavin, and paleontologist Jez Harris work together to explore the anatomy and behavior of some of the most incredible creatures to ever walk our planet.

Each episode takes a specific prehistoric creature as its focus, starting with the mighty T. rex in the first episode. The team use a combination of fossil evidence, genetic testing, and anatomical knowledge to build a detailed picture of what these animals might have been like in real life. This involves examining their muscles and soft tissues as well as their bones, and considering factors like diet and behavior to build a complete picture of their lives.

One of the key elements of Prehistoric Autopsy is the use of advanced technology to bring these creatures to life. The show uses cutting-edge CGI models to create incredibly realistic versions of these animals, allowing the team to examine them in detail and speculate on how they would have moved, hunted, and interacted with their environment. The models are incredibly detailed, and the team takes full advantage of them to explore every aspect of these fascinating creatures.

In addition to the CGI models, the team also uses other scientific techniques to explore the prehistoric world. For example, in the episode on the woolly mammoth, the team examines preserved remains of these creatures to extract DNA and learn more about their genetic makeup. They also use infrared imaging to examine the woolly mammoth's fur and explore how it may have adapted to the cold environments it lived in.

Throughout the show, the team provides a wealth of information about these prehistoric creatures and what we can learn from them. They explore topics like the evolution of flight in birds, the role of the T. rex as an apex predator, and the incredible abilities of the woolly mammoth to survive in extremely cold environments. Along the way, they also dispel some common myths and misconceptions about these creatures, providing a more accurate and nuanced picture of what they were really like.

One of the things that makes Prehistoric Autopsy so engaging is the enthusiasm and expertise of the team. George McGavin, Alice Roberts, and Jez Harris are all experts in their respective fields, and their passion for these creatures shines through in every episode. They are able to convey complex scientific concepts in an accessible and engaging way, making this show both informative and entertaining.

Overall, Prehistoric Autopsy is a fantastic documentary series that offers a unique and detailed look at some of the most fascinating creatures to ever roam the earth. With its combination of cutting-edge technology, scientific expertise, and engaging presentation, it's a must-watch for anyone interested in natural history, paleontology, or just good science programming in general.

Prehistoric Autopsy
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Seasons
Part 3: Lucy
3. Part 3: Lucy
September 28, 2015
We meet probably the most famous of all our early ancestors. She is Lucy, from the species Australopithecus afarensis and she lived 3.2 million years ago. Lucy's species traded life in the trees for life on the ground, but walking upright came at a price and it is one we are still paying today.
Part 2: Homo Erectus
2. Part 2: Homo Erectus
September 28, 2015
We are going back 1.5 million years to meet one of the earliest humans. They walked the earth far longer than any other human species and were the first ancestors to look a lot like we do today. The species is Homo erectus and the individual being reconstructed is known as Nariokotome Boy.
Part 1: Neanderthal
1. Part 1: Neanderthal
September 28, 2015
This episode follows the rebuilding of one of our most iconic ancient ancestors from the bones up - a Neanderthal. To make the reconstructions as accurate as possible, Alice and George have travelled the globe, gathering evidence from the world's leading scientists.
Description
  • Premiere Date
    September 28, 2015
  • IMDB Rating
    7.4  (56)