The Natural Earth

Presented by

Florence Windfall
 

Before and after the films,
everyone’s invited to indulge in our Humanist Tea House.

 

Monday,  December  10  at 7:30 pm Life of Mammals ─ Volume 2

This documentary is pure magic.  Vast in scope and stunning in imagery and detail, The Life of Mammals is the epic story of 4,000 species that have outlived the dinosaurs and colonized the farthest reaches of the Earth.  In this volume about the chisellers, special tools like chisel-sharp front teeth and underground dwelling enable this group of mammals to feast on the toughest roots and seeds.  Meat eaters and eaten – predators and prey – must evolve speed, endurance, and maneuverability to outwit each other.  With all hunters, the aggression of the kill means the difference between life and death. Omnivores are opportunists who will eat whatever is around at the time, making them highly adaptable.  Among this group are some of the most charismatic and widespread mammals on the planet.   A lot of thought went into the content of this film – from spectacular visuals to awesome sound and content structure.  It reveals how intricate the web of life on this planet is and how threatened it is.  It covers the entire spectrum of mammals in stunning visuals and captivating narration. The filmmaker, David Attenborough, is thorough and scientifically accurate.  His screen presence is comforting and reassuring and his lifetime of experience ensures that the content is seamless and exciting.  He is able to show us firsts: new behavior and discoveries, sometimes even new animals.  What distinguishes mammals from other animals is their ability to adapt.  This documentary goes into incredible depth about all the different intricacies of the mammals’ lives and how they coexist with each other and humans.  The Life of Mammals is perhaps the best wildlife documentary series ever made.  And it stands as a great proof of evolution.  Although the film never comes right out and specifically talks about evolution, it is a subtext throughout the film.  The mechanics of evolution are so clear that it would be hard to question evolution after watching this film.

http://www.worldlandtrust.org/about/david-attenborough.htm

 

 

Monday,  December  17  at 7:30 pm Life of Mammals ─ Volume 3   This volume begins with Return to the Water featuring mammals with perfect streamlined bodies and great underwater speed:  seals, dolphins, porpoises, and whales became the new hunters of the sea.  It then moves back on to land and depicts Life in the Trees:  a range of adaptations from suction feet to gripping tails to ultra-keen senses help the tree-dwelling mammals to survive high above the ground.  And again it must be said with respect to this film as the one before, this nature series of which these films are parts, The Life of Mammals, hosted by David Attenborough, is perhaps the best wildlife documentary series ever made.

http://www.worldlandtrust.org/about/david-attenborough.htm

 

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so far the only
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