Nature’s Dress Code: Who Wears What and Why? (Sky Nature Sunday 6 November 2022)

Nature’s Dress Code: Who Wears What and Why? – Every living thing, from the minuscule amoeba to the enormous blue whale, needs a protective covering. Nature depends on inventive components and audacious designs. ranging from silky soft fur to armour that is impact-resistant. It appears that any fashion trend is acceptable. But a closer look reveals that there are rigid dress codes that apply to all animals.

In contrast to crustaceans or beetles, which require hard armour, frogs and salamanders require thin, permeable skin. Of course, anything with warm blood is sensitive to the cold and cannot survive without wearing clothing that is adequately insulating. Within these constraints, nature exhibits a breathtaking degree of creativity in terms of attire.

For instance, the Pangolin in the African savannah dons a pricey protective suit that even lions are unable to penetrate. Water fleas quickly fashion armour that is specifically tailored for each threat. Sea goldies even alter their sex by changing their attire.

Nature tries to outfit every animal with a suitable wardrobe. But even in the animal kingdom, outward appearance is not everything; good behaviour must follow appropriate attire.

Airdate: Sunday 6 November 2022 at 7.00pm on Sky Nature.