Available on
BBC One

Our planet is teeming with myriad life forms, both plant and animal, all interlocked in a struggle for survival. As time goes on, some living things are forced to adapt and change to survive. This programme chronicles some of the most unusual, if not downright bizarre, behaviors that living organisms have devised to keep their species alive. The 11-episode series was four years in the making, taking camera crews to every continent and habitat.

Challenges of Life: Episode Image
Episode 1Challenges of Life

A look at how some animals and plants go to extremes to give themselves a chance to breed.

Reptiles and Amphibians: Episode Image
Episode 2Reptiles and Amphibians

A look at the strategies used by reptiles and amphibians to conquer their shortcomings.

Mammals: Episode Image
Episode 3Mammals

How mammals dominate the planet through having warm blood and by caring for their young.

Fish: Episode Image
Episode 4Fish

A look at various fish species including sea dragon, fringehead and Hawaiian goby.

Birds: Episode Image
Episode 5Birds

A slow-motion camera captures the unique flight of the marvellous spatuletail hummingbird.

Insects: Episode Image
Episode 6Insects

Super-slow motion shows a bombardier beetle firing boiling liquid at its enemies.

Hunters and Hunted: Episode Image
Episode 7Hunters and Hunted

Unique footage of a killer whale engaging in sneaky behaviour to hunt elephant seal pups.

Creatures of the Deep: Episode Image
Episode 8Creatures of the Deep

A look at marine invertebrates, including Humboldt squid, starfish and giant octopuses.

Plants: Episode Image
Episode 9Plants

A look at plants and the ingenious and manipulative ways they counter life's challenges.

Primates: Episode Image
Episode 10Primates

Primates are just like humans - intelligent, quarrelsome, family-centred.

How to watch Life