NOVA

Paleontologists Discover New Mammal Fossils Hidden in Rocks

Hidden inside ordinary-looking rocks, an astonishing trove of fossils paints a dramatic picture of how rat-sized creatures ballooned in size and began to evolve into the vast array of species—from cheetahs to bats to whales to humans—that rule our planet today.

Paleontologists Discover New Mammal Fossils Hidden in Rocks

5m 44s

  • Hunt for the Oldest DNA: Extended Version: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Hunt for the Oldest DNA: Extended Version

    1h 24m

    For decades, scientists have tried to unlock the secrets of ancient DNA. Follow the dramatic quest to recover DNA millions of years old and reveal a lost world from before the last Ice Age.

  • Building Stuff: Change It!: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Building Stuff: Change It!

    S51 E17 - 53m 40s

    Humans have been altering Earth’s environment for thousands of years. And now, from electric planes to artificial noses, engineers are inventing new ways to preserve our planet.

  • Building Stuff: Reach It!: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Building Stuff: Reach It!

    S51 E16 - 53m 40s

    Born to explore, we’re constantly inventing new ways to go beyond our comfort zones. From deep sea subs to next-gen space habitats, see how engineers are building the tools humans need to go where we’ve never gone before.

WETA Passport

Stream tens of thousands of hours of your PBS and local favorites with WETA Passport whenever and wherever you want. Catch up on a single episode or binge-watch full seasons before they air on TV.