An evolutionary joke, an awkward mistake, or a mutated masterpiece? Explore the magic of evolution and the forces of nature that together shape eccentric animals, eclectic lifestyles and unorthodox patterns of behaviour in the new series MUTANT PLANET. Premiering on Discovery Science on February 28 at 8 p.m. ET/10 p.m. PT, the six-part series reveals the strange species that seemingly defy the laws of nature, from Australia’s 200-plus species of bizarrely pouched marsupials to a species of fish in Africa’s Rift Valley lakes that might be as intelligent as chimps.
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MUTANT PLANET combines traditional natural history with cutting edge science to reveal the bewildering mammals, reptiles, fish, birds, insects and plants that fill the planet. Shaped by natural selection and mysterious mutations these unusual species demonstrate the power of adaptation and survival.
Episode highlights from MUTANT PLANET include:
MUTANT PLANET – “New Zealand”
Monday, February 28 at 8 p.m. ET/10 p.m. PT
New Zealand is a fairytale country with a turbulent geological past. A land with astonishing creatures: flightless birds, night dwellers and even living fossils. Evolution has run wild on this isolated land, producing some of the world’s most unusual animals. Among them, the kiwi bird: a hobbit-like creature with fur rather than feathers, wings too small for flight, and nostrils situated at the end of its beak.
MUTANT PLANET – “Australia”
Monday, March 7 at 8 p.m. ET/10 p.m. PT
Australia is an isolated laboratory whose ancient geological past and changing climate have triggered mutations in its animals, from one of the largest lizards on the planet, the perentie, to one of the tiniest marsupials, the honey possum. Plus, see how more than 200 species of bizarre pouched marsupials, like the rock wallaby, are equipped with astounding survival features.
MUTANT PLANET – “Brazil’s Cerrado”
Monday, March 14 at 8 p.m. ET/10 p.m. PT
On Brazil’s ancient Cerrado grassland a community of eccentric creatures are interdependent, and all life revolves around the landscape of mysterious mud-caked monoliths. Species that thrive here include headlight beetles, which emit an eerie green light from within a termite mound; and the giant anteater whose iconic snout, humongous claws, and long, sticky tongue are ideal for capturing ants and other small prey.
