Secrets of Skin

Professor Ben Garrod explores the evolution of the body's largest organ, skin, starting with how the same basic structure has allowed vertebrates to conquer every corner of the planet.

Professor Ben Garrod explores how adaptations on and in the skin allow birds to fly, sharks to be built for speed and sugar gliders to take to the air.

Professor Ben Garrod reveals how skin protects vertebrates from extremes of temperature, the harmful effect of UV and a host of living organisms that want to get in.

Professor Ben Garrod explores how, while humans rely largely on speech to communicate, most other animals use their skin to send out messages and warning signals.

From quills to camouflage to deadly toxins, skin has evolved to defend animals against attack. Professor Ben Garrod explores the armour and weaponry that vertebrate skin has adapted.

Professor Ben Garrod delves into the ways skin has adapted to allow animals to sense the world around them.