Ep 20. Awesome Ancestors

The Most Extreme season 4 episode 20, titled "Awesome Ancestors," explores some of the most impressive and awe-inspiring ancestors of modern-day animals. From ancient predators to bizarre evolutionary oddities, this episode takes viewers on a journey through time to uncover the ancient roots of some of the world's most fascinating creatures.

The episode begins with a look at the ancestors of whales, which were once land-dwelling mammals that had evolved to live in water over millions of years. These early whales, known as Basilosaurus, were formidable predators with sharp teeth and powerful jaws. They dominated the seas for millions of years before eventually giving rise to the whales we know today.

Next up, the show explores the ancestors of modern horses. These ancient creatures, known as Eohippus, were tiny compared to their modern descendants and had only three toes on each foot. However, they were still impressive runners and could easily outrun many predators of their time. Over millions of years, these early horses gradually evolved into the majestic animals we know today.

The episode then turns to the ancestors of modern birds, which were once huge and terrifying reptiles known as the pterosaurs. These creatures had wingspans of up to 33 feet and were the largest animals to ever take to the skies. They dominated the skies for over 150 million years before eventually going extinct, leaving behind their feathered descendants.

Moving on, the show examines the ancestors of modern crocodiles, which were once massive predators that roamed the earth alongside the dinosaurs. These creatures, known as Deinosuchus, were up to 40 feet in length and had massive jaws that could crush even the strongest bones. Over millions of years, they gradually shrank in size and evolved into the smaller, sleeker crocodiles we know today.

The episode then takes a look at the ancestors of modern bears, the giant short-faced bears that once roamed North America. These massive predators were over 8 feet tall when standing on their hind legs and were among the largest carnivorous mammals to ever exist. They dominated the landscape for millions of years before eventually going extinct at the end of the last ice age.

Continuing the exploration of ancient predators, the Most Extreme season 4 episode 20 turns to the saber-toothed cats, which were once some of the most fearsome predators on the planet. These massive cats had huge, curved teeth that could easily rip through flesh, and they used them to take down some of the largest prey of their time. They eventually went extinct around 10,000 years ago, leaving behind only their smaller, modern feline cousins.

Finally, the episode explores the ancestors of modern humans, taking a look at some of our earliest known relatives. These include the australopithecines, which were small, bipedal primates that lived over 4 million years ago. They eventually evolved into the various species of early humans, such as Homo erectus and Homo neanderthalensis, that populated the earth long before our own species, Homo sapiens, emerged.

Overall, the Most Extreme season 4 episode 20 offers a fascinating glimpse into the evolutionary history of some of the world's most impressive animals. Through a combination of stunning footage and expert analysis, viewers are transported back in time to witness the rise and fall of some of the most awe-inspiring creatures to ever roam the earth.