Ep 2. Reptile's Beginnings

Walking with Monsters is a thrilling documentary series that takes viewers on a journey through the prehistoric world. In season 1 episode 2, titled "Reptile's Beginnings," the show explores the evolution of reptiles.

The episode begins in the Carboniferous period, around 350 million years ago. At this time, the world was a very different place. There were no mammals or birds, and most of the land was covered in vast swamps and forests. It is in this environment that the first reptiles evolved.

The first reptiles were small, lizard-like creatures known as Hylonomus. They were able to adapt to life on land thanks to their skin, which was covered in scales that helped to retain moisture. They also had stronger legs than their amphibious ancestors, allowing them to move more easily on land.

As the episode progresses, viewers are introduced to a variety of other early reptiles, including the dimetrodon and the edaphosaurus. These creatures were dominant during the Permian period, which followed the Carboniferous. Despite being reptiles, they also had some mammalian traits, such as teeth that were different shapes and sizes.

The dimetrodon, in particular, was an apex predator during its time, thanks to its large size and impressive sail. This sail, which was made of skin and supported by long spines, allowed the dimetrodon to regulate its body temperature more effectively and attract mates.

The show also explores the evolution of turtles, which are unique among reptiles in that they have a hard shell to protect their bodies. It is believed that turtles evolved from a group of reptiles known as procolophonids, which lived around 220 million years ago. Procolophonids had bony plates on their backs, which may have served as a starting point for the evolution of the turtle shell.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to stunning CGI recreations of these ancient reptiles. The creatures are depicted in incredible detail, down to the texture of their skin and the movement of their limbs. The show also uses scientific data to reconstruct the environments in which these animals lived, giving viewers a glimpse into the prehistoric world.

Overall, "Reptile's Beginnings" is a fascinating exploration of the early evolution of reptiles. Viewers will learn about the different types of reptiles that lived during the Carboniferous and Permian periods, as well as the unique adaptations that allowed them to thrive in their environments. The stunning CGI animations bring these ancient creatures to life in a way that's both educational and entertaining.