Ep 17. Best Animal Myths

MythBusters Season 1 Episode 17, titled "Best Animal Myths," delves into the world of animal myths and legends. Hosts Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman team up to tackle several animal-related myths, ranging from whether a duck's quack truly echoes to finding out if elephants are actually afraid of mice.

The episode kicks off with a popular misconception that ducks' quacks don't echo. To test this theory, Adam and Jamie set up a sound room and record the sound of a duck's quack. They then play back the recording in the room to see if it echoes. The results of this experiment lead to a fascinating discovery about the mechanics of sound and how quacks really work.

Next, the hosts take on the age-old myth that elephants are terrified of mice. They conduct several experiments to see how elephants react in the presence of mice, including placing a live mouse in a container and releasing it near an elephant. The hosts also test whether elephants can smell or hear a mouse from far away. The results of these tests are surprising and lead Adam and Jamie to question whether this myth has any basis in reality.

The episode also features a segment on whether bulls are really enraged by the color red. Adam and Jamie conduct a series of experiments to see how bulls react to various colors, from red to blue to black and white. They put themselves to the test by entering a ring with a charging bull while wearing different colored shirts. The results of this experiment may surprise viewers who have believed the myth for years.

Another myth the hosts tackle is the idea that cockroaches can survive a nuclear blast. To test this theory, they expose cockroaches to a high dose of radiation and see how they fare. The results of this experiment lend some interesting insights into the insect's resiliency and survival instincts.

Finally, the episode explores the idea that camels store water in their humps. Adam and Jamie conduct a dissection of a camel's hump to see what's really inside. They also investigate how camels are able to go for long periods of time without water and whether their humps play a role in this survival mechanism.

Overall, "Best Animal Myths" is a fascinating exploration of animal behavior and the myths that surround these creatures. Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman bring their signature scientific approach to each experiment and provide viewers with both entertainment and education on the fascinating world of animals.