The Gravity-Defying Design of the Caracal Cat
In The Gravity-Defying Design of the Caracal Cat, narrator Suranne Jones looks at the perfect design of the caracal, a wild cat, that allows it to leap upwards, defying gravity and catching birds in flight. Even more amazing is how the cat uses its flexible spine to twist its body two different ways so that it can push off itself and land on its feet no matter what. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Life in the Air, a documentary about animals that take to the sky.
Experience the hidden world of jumping, gliding and flying creatures like never before. Learn more.
Lesson Express
Q: Describe a caracal cat.
A: A caracal is a medium-sized wild cat with a reddish-brown coat, long legs, a short tail, and distinctive pointed ears with black tufts of fur. It is a powerful and agile predator.
Q: How are caracal cats built to leap into the air?
A: Caracals are built with powerful hind legs, strong muscles, and a flexible body that allows them to jump high into the air. Their physical design helps them make powerful vertical leaps to catch birds and other prey.
Q: How do caracal cats land on their feet after leaping to catch prey?
A: Caracals use their flexible spines to twist and move their bodies while they are in the air. Their spines allow them to adjust their bodies in different directions so they can position their feet underneath themselves and land safely.
You Might Also Like
In Bats, Masters of the Sky, narrator Suranne Jones explains that bats live in caves where they are safe from predators, like hawks. But when they have to leave the cave, they use strategies like flying all at once and their nimble flying skills to overwhelm and evade predators. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Life in the Air, a documentary about animals that take to the sky.
In Bats, Masters of the Sky, narrator Suranne Jones explains that bats live in caves where they are safe from predators, like hawks. But when they have to leave the cave, they use strategies like flying all at once and their nimble flying skills to overwhelm and evade predators. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Life in the Air, a documentary about animals that take to the sky.