The Nature of Things
Specials
The Nature of Things is a Canadian television series of documentary programs. It debuted on CBC Television on November 6, 1960. Many of the programs document nature and the effect that humans have on it. The program was one of the first to explore environmental issues, such as clear-cut logging.
The series is named after an epic poem by Roman philosopher Lucretius: "Dē Rērum Nātūrā" — On the Nature of Things.
The series is named after an epic poem by Roman philosopher Lucretius: "Dē Rērum Nātūrā" — On the Nature of Things.
Where to Watch The Nature of Things • Specials
36 Episodes
- Galapagos: DarwinE1
Galapagos: DarwinFirst episode of a five-part series on the Galapagos islands. This episode looks at the life and work of Charles Darwin, with emphasis on his historic five-year voyage as resident naturalist aboard the ship Beagle, his stopover at the Galapagos, and his lifetime spent evaluating the results of the trip. - Galapagos: The IslandsE2
Galapagos: The IslandsA survey of the animal and plant life of the Galapagos archipelago including: a look at the geological origins of the islands, their geography and climate; and an explanation of the generally accepted theory of how these volcanic islands, owned by Ecuador, first became populated by plants and animals. - Galapagos: New BeingsE3
Galapagos: New BeingsAn exploration of the scientific phenomenon known as "adaptive radiation", the way in which a small founding group of a plant or animal species can give rise to a number of new species, and the way in which a new environment encourages this proliferation - Darwin's "natural selection" in action. Oceanic islands are the best places to see the process at work, and the Galapagos provide the best of all demonstrations. The program looks at the many forms of animal and plant life in the islands, with particular attention to the evolution of the species unique to them. - Galapagos: Ways of SurvivalE4
Galapagos: Ways of SurvivalApart from their external appearance, animals go through behavioural and physiological changes to adapt themselves to different environments: for example, acquiring the ability to drink salt water. Galapagos examples seen in this program include sea lions, sea birds and the marine iguana, a cold-blooded reptile which has adapted itself to endure the cold waters of the sub-Antarctic Humboldt current. - Galapagos: Living LaboratoryE5
Galapagos: Living LaboratoryThis final program in the series looks at some of the endangered species in the Galapagos islands, and at the impact of human settlement on the native creatures. The Galapagos are a living laboratory of incalculable value for the study of evolution. - Dope: Scientists and Sleuths Battle for the Soul of SportE20
Dope: Scientists and Sleuths Battle for the Soul of SportDrug detection experts are determined to ensure Athens Olympics 2004 is run clean, by probing to expose drug-designing chemists, dealers, crooked coaches and athletes who are prepared to do anything to win. - Passion & Fury: The Emotional Brain - AngerE21
Passion & Fury: The Emotional Brain - AngerUncover the startling discoveries researchers make when they scan the brains of sociopaths and learn about the scientific studies that may answer the question: does biology dictate destiny? See how these studies are being put to use in helping young people cope with anger at an early age. - Passion & Fury: The Emotional Brain - LoveE22
Passion & Fury: The Emotional Brain - LoveAnthropologists dissect this emotion to its core: lust, romantic love and attachment. How we are aroused is explored: smell and tone of voice play into attraction and compatibility. Peel back the layers of the most profound expression of our humanity. - Passion & Fury: The Emotional Brain - HappinessE24
Passion & Fury: The Emotional Brain - HappinessDrawing a distinction between the lasting state of happiness and the pursuit of instant pleasure, the program explores the evolutionary role of happiness, and asks what happens in the brain, and possibly in our genes, that make some people happy and others sad. - Wild Caribbean: Hurricane HellE26
Wild Caribbean: Hurricane HellEvery year the Caribbean paradise is turned into a hurricane hell. From the beginning of June until the end of November its hurricane season in the islands. With winds of over 150 mph, 5 metre storm surges and torrential rain, the destruction caused by hurricanes makes them one of the most feared forces of nature. - Wild Caribbean: Reefs and WrecksE28
Wild Caribbean: Reefs and WrecksThe clear blue waters that surround the Caribbean islands are home to some of the world's most stunning underwater treasures. Coral reefs form beautiful underwater gardens visited by angels, horse eye jacks, blue tangs and stingrays. - Geologic Journey: (2) The Rockies
E34Geologic Journey: (2) The RockiesGeologic Journey: The Rockies tells the story of the great spine of stone that runs from the Canadian North to the southern United States. As the camera takes the audience on a highwire tour through the peaks of the Rockies – in both Canada and the USA – craggy rock faces and dangerous ice reveal the growth pangs of the mountain building era. The pristine beauty of the Canadian Rockies gives way to the ghost towns and gold mines that litter the mountains in Colorado – a telltale clue to the different geologic forces at work in the Canadian range and their American cousins. This episode is an illustration of how nothing ever stays the same, not even the Rockies. Despite the appearance of timelessness and permanence, geologists are discovering how these rocks will meet their end – a sobering perspective on time, place and the enormity of the earth’s Geologic Journey.
