Up Next
Back to Show
NOVA
Interview: The Animal Translator with Erich Jarvis
Talking, singing, even dancing — they all trace back to a rare superpower: vocal learning. But humans aren’t the only animals that have it. Neuroscientist Erich Jarvis has spent his career decoding the mysterious ability to imitate sounds, a key ingredient in spoken language. In this episode, he joins Hakeem to explore why only a handful of species — like parrots, dolphins, and bats — can do it.
Support Provided By
53:21
Can bringing predators—and fear—back into an ecosystem help restore its natural balance?
1:52:46
Paleontologist Kirk Johnson explores the dynamic history—and future—of ice at the poles.
53:30
Discover the science behind Leonardo da Vinci's masterpieces—and Mona Lisa's iconic smile.
53:15
Amazing fossils reveal how mammals took over after an asteroid wiped out the dinosaurs.
Unlock with PBS Passport
53:32
Discover why scientists and entrepreneurs alike have their sights set on the Moon again.
Unlock with PBS Passport
53:23
New archeological evidence shows the stunning engineering of the Great Pyramid of Giza.
53:51
Join scientists as they grab light from across the universe to prove quantum entanglement.