Metamorphosis: The Science of Change
Film-maker David Malone explores the science behind metamorphosis, the amazing transformation of one creature into a totally different being. How does it happen and why?
Metamorphosis seems like the ultimate evolutionary magic trick, the amazing transformation of one creature into a totally different being: one life, two bodies.
From Ovid and Kafka to X-Men, tales of metamorphosis richly permeate human culture. The myth of transformation is so common that it seems almost preprogrammed into our imagination. But is the scientific fact of metamorphosis just as strange as fiction or... even stranger?
Film-maker David Malone explores the science behind metamorphosis. How does it happen and why? And might it even, in some way, happen to us?
Last on
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Metamorphosis: Animal Shape-Shifters
Stuart Reynolds of the University of Bath writes about Metamorphosis.
Clips
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The Jekyll and Hyde of the insect world
Duration: 02:44
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How the tadpole turns into a frog
Duration: 01:18
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Our fascination with Metamorphosis
Duration: 02:39
Music Played
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The Cinematic Orchestra
Regen (feat. Grey Reverend)
Alien Nation Season
Metamorphosis is part of a special season of BBC Four programmes supersizing the insect world. Discover the other programmes in the season below…
- Planet Ant - The secret, underground world of the ant colony is revealed.
- Insect Worlds - Steve Backshall explores the world of insects and their close relatives.
- The Incredible Story of the Monarch Butterfly - Follow their 3,000 mile journey.
- Edwardian Insects on Film - Celebrating amateur naturalist & filmmaker Percy Smith.
- Insect Dissection - Uncovering ingenious body systems and finely tuned senses.
- Minuscule - A seamless combination of animation and real life.
- Can Eating Insects Save the World? - Stefan Gates investigates.
Credits
| Role | Contributor |
|---|---|
| Presenter | David Malone |
| Writer | David Malone |
| Producer | David Briggs |
| Director | David Briggs |
| Executive Producer | Marcus Herbert |
| Production Manager | Lisa Moultrie |
Broadcasts
- Wed 13 Mar 201321:05
- Thu 14 Mar 201303:05
Sun 17 Mar 201319:00BBC HD- Fri 12 Jul 201301:00
- Sun 31 May 201522:00
- Sun 7 Jun 201502:35
- Tue 20 Oct 201502:00
- Sun 11 Sep 201623:30
- Tue 25 Apr 201722:00
- Mon 1 May 201701:30
- Thu 6 Sep 201820:00
- Fri 7 Sep 201803:00
- Fri 17 May 201901:15
- Tue 29 Oct 201922:30
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