Ep 12. Animal Myths

The Most Extreme is a nature documentary series that explores the extremes of the animal kingdom. In season 4 episode 12, titled Animal Myths, the show delves into some of the most common myths and misconceptions surrounding different animals.

The episode begins by examining the myth that elephants have good memories. The host explains that while elephants do have impressive memories, their ability to remember things has been exaggerated over time. Scientists have found that elephants can remember specific watering holes and recognize individual elephants they have met before, but their memories are not infallible.

Next, the episode tackles the myth that goldfish only have a three-second memory. The show reveals that goldfish actually have pretty good memories, and studies have shown that they can remember things for several months at a time. Despite this, the three-second memory myth has persisted for years, likely due to the fact that goldfish are often kept in small, unstimulating environments.

The third myth explored is the idea that camels store water in their humps. The show explains that while camels do have humps, these humps are actually used to store fat, not water. The fat can be converted into energy and water when the camel is in need, but camels actually store most of their water in their bloodstream and in their stomachs.

Moving on, the episode takes a look at the myth that ostriches bury their heads in the sand when they are scared. The show explains that while ostriches do sometimes lower their heads to the ground, they do not actually bury their heads in the sand. Instead, this behavior is a defense mechanism known as the "ostrich crouch," which makes the bird less visible to predators.

The fifth myth explored is the idea that bulls hate the color red. The show reveals that bulls are actually colorblind and cannot actually see the color red. Instead, their aggression is often triggered by other factors, such as movement or noise. The association between bulls and the color red likely stems from bullfighting, where red capes are used as a tool to taunt and tire out the bull.

Next, the episode examines the myth that lemmings commit mass suicide by jumping off cliffs. The show explains that this idea is entirely false, and likely stems from a 1958 Disney documentary called White Wilderness, which staged lemming deaths by pushing them off a cliff. In reality, lemmings do not engage in this behavior, and the idea of mass lemming suicide is purely a myth.

Moving on, the episode explores the myth that chameleons change color to blend in with their surroundings. The show explains that while chameleons can change color, they do so primarily for communication purposes, not camouflage. Chameleons use their colorful skin to communicate with other chameleons, intimidate rivals, and attract mates.

The eighth myth tackled is the idea that sloths move so slowly that algae grows on their fur. The show reveals that while sloths do move slowly, this is actually a deliberate adaptation to their environment. Sloths are adapted to conserve energy and move slowly to avoid detection by predators. Their fur does sometimes grow algae, but this is not really a significant issue for the sloths.

Finally, the episode takes a look at the myth that bats are blind. The show explains that while some species of bats do rely on echolocation to navigate, this does not mean that they are blind. In fact, most bats have pretty good eyesight and can see just as well as any other nocturnal animal.

Overall, Animal Myths is an engaging and informative episode that does an excellent job of debunking some of the most common misconceptions surrounding different animals. The show uses a combination of expert interviews, scientific studies, and stunning footage to provide a comprehensive look at each myth and explain the reality behind it. Whether you're a longtime animal lover or just interested in learning more about the natural world, this episode is sure to be both entertaining and educational.