Back to Show
NOVA
Extreme Animal Weapons Preview
From lobster claws and dog teeth to bee stings and snake fangs, every creature depends on a weapon. But some are armed to extremes that make no practical sense—whether it’s bull elks with giant 40-pound antler racks or tiny rhinoceros beetles with horns bigger than their body. What explains giant tusks, horns, and claws that can slow an animal down and even impair health and nutrition?
Support Provided By
Unlock with PBS Passport
53:41
Follow scientists in a quest to understand how complex forest ecosystems can help cool our planet.
Unlock with PBS Passport
53:39
Explore key military technologies in the American colonies’ fight for freedom.
53:32
Follow the investigation into the deadly container ship collision that closed the Port of Baltimore.
Unlock with PBS Passport
53:40
Archaeologists uncover new truths about Pompeii, a wealthy Roman playground with dark secrets.
Unlock with PBS Passport
53:40
A long-lost ancient cemetery opens the door to a unique period in Egyptian history.
Unlock with PBS Passport
53:35
Fossils reveal how birds survived the killer asteroid and became today’s only living dinosaurs.
Unlock with PBS Passport
53:40
Follow the race to build a world-class airport on the site of one of America’s busiest flying hubs.
Unlock with PBS Passport
53:43
Can science reveal the secrets of mysterious objects seen in our skies?
53:40
Mysterious bodies are found under one of the world’s most famous cathedrals.
53:40
From electric flight to artificial noses, engineers are finding new ways to preserve our planet.
53:40
Humans are born to roam. See how engineers are inventing new ways to explore and extend our range.
53:40
Is engineering humanity’s superpower? See how we can amplify our natural abilities in amazing ways.