Secrets Of Skin

Professor Ben Garrod explores the evolution of the body's largest organ, skin, beginning with how the same basic structure allows vertebrates to conquer every corner of the planet.

Professor Ben Garrod explores how adaptations on and in the skin allow birds to fly, sharks to be built for speed, and sugar gliders to take to the air.

Skin is the external barrier between animals and the outside world, protecting vertebrates from extremes of temperature, the harmful effects of UV radiation, and a host of living organisms that want to get in.