From Macro to Micro: Insects - The Masters of Adaptation
Nominee Science & Media Awards 24
Factual Series / Andreas Sawall / Germany, Japan / 2023 / 45 min / German
Nature is full of secrets.
Some are obvious but often overlooked, others lie deep in hiding, far beyond our perception. Nature holds miracles that amaze us and – if we are willing to discover them – help ensure nothing less than the survival of humanity.
Insects have developed amazing adaptations in their 350 million years of evolution. With over one million different species, they make up half of all living creatures on Earth and display outstanding abilities. Insects have developed flying to perfection. The hoverfly can fly 60 kilometers per hour at an altitude of 1000 meters. Bumblebees beat their wings up to 185 times in just one second. An outstanding performance, far superior to human flight technology. Ants are capable of incredible collective achievements and termites stabilize entire ecosystems. Without them, the earth would be a dry, hostile place.