play_circle
NOVAchevron_right
S53E04: Mammal OriginsUncover the surprising ancient origins of mammals, a story that began long before the dinosaurs' reign. Surveying Earth's tumultuous past reveals how some of our earliest ancestors, the therapsids – creatures that looked like reptiles but were starting to develop mammalian traits – survived multiple global catastrophes. Through remarkable adaptations like burrowing and the emergence of warm-bloodedness, they forged a lineage that persevered against all odds. Fascinating fossil clues and cutting-edge science reveal how a small, resilient group of animals faced extinction events, outlived giants, and ultimately gave rise to the diverse world of mammals we know today, including us.
Genres:
Air Date:
Feb 11, 2026
Runtime:
56 minutes
Production:
Casts:
- Season 1
- Season 2
- Season 3
- Season 4
- Season 5
- Season 6
- Season 7
- Season 8
- Season 9
- Season 10
- Season 11
- Season 12
- Season 13
- Season 14
- Season 15
- Season 16
- Season 17
- Season 18
- Season 19
- Season 20
- Season 21
- Season 22
- Season 23
- Season 24
- Season 25
- Season 26
- Season 27
- Season 28
- Season 29
- Season 30
- Season 31
- Season 32
- Season 33
- Season 34
- Season 35
- Season 36
- Season 37
- Season 38
- Season 39
- Season 40
- Season 41
- Season 42
- Season 43
- Season 44
- Season 45
- Season 46
- Season 47
- Season 48
- Season 49
- Season 50
- Season 51
- Season 52
- Season 53
