Just So Science

Series

Episode

Title

First
Broadcast

Repeated

Comments

How The Whale Got His Throat

20130114

20200302 (BBC7)
20200303 (BBC7)
20250224 (BBC7)
20130724 (R4)

Rudyard tells us how the leopard got his spots, the camel his hump, the whale his throat and so forth.

But what does science make of these lyrical tales?

For the most part, Just So stories are to be dismissed as the antithesis of scientific reasoning. They're ad hoc fallacies, designed to explain-away a biological or behavioural trait, more akin to folklore than the laws of science.

But on closer inspection, might Kipling's fantasies contain a grain of truth? And might the 'truth' as science understands it, be even more fantastic than fiction?

So how does the largest creature that has ever lived feed itself?

Howard Roe and Nick Pyenson, discuss the wonders of the whale's 'lunge feeding', said to be the largest biomechanical event on Earth.

Discover the science behind some of Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories

Vivienne Parry with the science behind Kipling's stories. How does a whale feed itself? With readings by Samuel West. From 2013.

How does the largest creature that has ever lived feed itself? Howard Roe and Nick Pyenson, discuss the wonders of the whale's 'lunge feeding', said to be the largest biomechanical event on Earth.

Vivienne Parry presents the science behind some of Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories.

Vivienne Parry explores the science behind Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories.

[LISTEN NOW]

How The Leopard Got His Spots

20130115

20200303 (BBC7)
20200304 (BBC7)
20250225 (BBC7)
20130731 (R4)

Chemist Andrea Sella and biologist Buzz Baum explain why a leopard could change its spots, thanks to mathematician Alan Turing.

Vivienne Parry with the science behind Kipling's stories. Can a leopard change its spots? Readings by Samuel West. From 2013.

Vivienne Parry presents the science behind some of Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories.

Vivienne Parry explores the science behind Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories.

Vivienne Parry presents more science behind some of Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories, with wondrous tales of how things really came to be.

Rudyard tells us how the leopard got his spots, the camel his hump, the whale his throat and so forth.

But what does science make of these lyrical tales?

But on closer inspection, might Kipling's fantasies contain a grain of truth? And might the 'truth' as science understands it, be even more fantastic than fiction?

Vivienne meets researchers whose work on some of Kipling's 'best beloved' creatures is helping us to answer a rather inconvenient question: how do traits evolve?

Why are some animals the way they are?

More of the science behind some of Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories

[LISTEN NOW]

The Beginning Of The Armadillos

20130116

20200304 (BBC7)
20200305 (BBC7)
20250226 (BBC7)
20130828 (R4)

Part mammal, part reptile, part just plain weird. Why the story of the Armadillo is stranger than fiction, according to Richard Dawkins and Mariella Superina.

Vivienne Parry with the science behind Kipling's stories and a tale stranger than fiction. Readings by Samuel West. From 2013.

Vivienne Parry presents the science behind some of Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories.

Vivienne Parry explores the science behind Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories.

Vivienne Parry presents more science behind some of Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories, with wondrous tales of how things really came to be.

Rudyard Kipling tells us how the leopard got his spots, the camel his hump, the whale his throat and so forth.

But what does science make of these lyrical tales?

For the most part, just-so stories are to be dismissed as the antithesis of scientific reasoning. They're ad hoc fallacies, designed to explain-away a biological or behavioural trait, more akin to folklore than the laws of science.

But on closer inspection, might Kipling's fantasies contain a grain of truth? And might the 'truth' as science understands it, be even more fantastic than fiction?

Vivienne meets researchers whose work on some of Kipling's 'best beloved' creatures is helping us to answer a rather inconvenient question: how do traits evolve?

Why are some animals the way they are?

More of the science behind some of Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories

[LISTEN NOW]

How The Rhinoceros Got His Skin

20130117

20200305 (BBC7)
20200306 (BBC7)
20250227 (BBC7)
20130807 (R4)

Rhinos and horses have much in common. John Hutchinson studies both, but just don't ask to look inside his freezer.

Vivienne Parry with the science behind Kipling's stories and some horse and rhino truths. Readings by Samuel West. From 2013.

Vivienne Parry presents the science behind some of Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories.

Vivienne Parry explores the science behind Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories.

Rudyard Kipling tells us how the leopard got his spots, the camel his hump, the whale his throat and so forth.

But what does science make of these lyrical tales?

But on closer inspection, might Kipling's fantasies contain a grain of truth? And might the 'truth' as science understands it, be even more fantastic than fiction?

More of the science behind some of Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories

[LISTEN NOW]

05 LAST

The Cat That Walked, By Himself

20130118

20200306 (BBC7)
20200307 (BBC7)
20250228 (BBC7)
20130814 (R4)

Do we keep cats, or do they keep us? The myths and the mysteries of felis catus explored by Patrick Bateson and John Bradshaw.

Vivienne Parry with the science behind Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories, including cats.

Vivienne Parry with the science behind Kipling's stories and the mysteries of felis catus. Readings by Samuel West. From 2013.

Vivienne Parry presents the science behind some of Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories.

Vivienne Parry explores the science behind Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories.

Rudyard Kipling tells us how the leopard got his spots, the camel his hump, the whale his throat and so forth.

But what does science make of these lyrical tales?

But on closer inspection, might Kipling's fantasies contain a grain of truth? And might the 'truth' as science understands it, be even more fantastic than fiction?

More of the science behind Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories, including cats.

[LISTEN NOW]

How The Camel Got His Hump

20140623

20260316 (BBC7)
20150105 (R4)

Returning for a second series, Vivienne Parry considers the animals of Rudyard Kipling's much loved Just So Stories for Children. Assisted by researchers of 'infinite sagacity' (that means they're awfully clever) she'll discover if science can yet explain how the camel got his hump, the kangaroo his hop or the elephant his trunk. Kipling's tales are brought to life by the actor Samuel West.

In How the Camel Got his Hump, Kipling's beast is as grumpy as they come and is punished for his laziness. Vivienne talks to Dr Lulu Skidmore, Director of the Camel Reproduction Centre in Dubai about the tricky business of Camel IVF and the truth about just how grumpy (and lazy) these beasts are. The reader is Samuel West. Producer: Rami Tzabar.

Vivienne Parry discovers if camels truly deserve their reputation as lazy and grumpy

Vivienne Parry explores the science behind Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories.

The stories tell us how the leopard got his spots, the camel got his hump, the whale got his throat and so forth.

But what does science make of these lyrical tales?

But on closer inspection, might Kipling's fantasies contain a grain of truth? And might the 'truth' as science understands it, be even more fantastic than fiction?

Vivienne talks to Dr Lulu Skidmore, Director of the Camel Reproduction Centre in Dubai, about the tricky business of Camel IVF and tries to find an explanation for their reputation as grumpy, lazy animals.

Excerpts from the five Just So Stories are read by Samuel West

Discover the science behind some of Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories.

Vivienne Parry with the science behind Kipling's stories - how did the camel get its hump? Readings by Sam West. From 2014.

[LISTEN NOW]

The Crab That Played With The Sea

20140624

20260317 (BBC7)
20150106 (R4)

In The Crab that Played with the Sea, Kipling tells the tale of arrogant and mischievous Pau Amma the mighty King Crab who eventually gets his comeuppance. For Palaeontologist Richard Fortey, it's the indestructible horseshoe crab that should be regarded as truly regal, with its copper-rich blue blood and incredible longevity, having remained almost stubbornly the same for nearly 500 million years. The reader is Samuel West. Producer: Rami Tzabar

Vivienne Parry explores the science behind Kipling's tale of mighty king crab Pau Amma

Vivienne Parry explores the science behind Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories.

Rudyard tells us how the leopard got his spots, the camel got his hump, the whale got his throat and so forth.

But what does science make of these lyrical tales?

But on closer inspection, might Kipling's fantasies contain a grain of truth? And might the 'truth' as science understands it, be even more fantastic than fiction?

For paleontologist Richard Fortey, it's the indestructible horseshoe crab that should be regarded as truly regal, with its copper-rich blue blood and incredible longevity, having remained almost stubbornly the same for nearly 500 million years.

Excerpts from the stories are read by Samuel West.

Discover the science behind some of Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories.

Vivienne Parry with the science behind Kipling's stories. The wonder of the horseshoe crab. Readings by Samuel West. From 2014.

Vivienne Parry considers another of the animals of Rudyard Kipling's much loved Just So Stories for Children.

Assisted by researchers of 'infinite sagacity', she sets out to discover whether his fantasies contain any grains of truth?

With its copper-rich blue blood and incredible longevity, it has remained almost stubbornly the same for nearly 500 million years! .

Discover more of the science behind another of Kipling's Just So Stories.

[LISTEN NOW]

The Sing-song Of Old Man Kangaroo

20140625

20260318 (BBC7)
20150107 (R4)

Vivienne Parry considers the science of how the kangaroo got his hop

Vivienne Parry explores the science behind Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories.

Rudyard tells us how the leopard got his spots, the camel got his hump, the whale got his throat and so forth.

But what does science make of these lyrical tales?

But on closer inspection, might Kipling's fantasies contain a grain of truth? And might the 'truth' as science understands it, be even more fantastic than fiction?

Jon Hutchinson and Maria Nilsson discuss how the kangaroo got his hop and why Skippy is no longer considered Australian - at least, genetically.

Discover the science behind some of Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories.

Vivienne Parry with the science behind Kipling's stories. So, why does the kangaroo jump? Readings by Samuel West. From 2014.

Vivienne Parry considers another of the animals from Rudyard Kipling's much loved Just So Stories for Children.

Assisted by researchers of 'infinite sagacity', she sets out to discover whether his fantasies contain any grains of truth?

So what about Old Man Kangaroo?

Jon Hutchinson and Maria Nilsson discuss how the kangaroo got his hop and why TV's Skippy is no longer considered Australian - at least, genetically.

Excerpts read by Samuel West.

Discover more of the science behind another of Kipling's Just So Stories.

[LISTEN NOW]

The Butterfly That Stamped

20140626

20260319 (BBC7)

Vivienne Parry explores the chaotic nature of science in Kipling's tale of a butterfly

Vivienne Parry explores the science behind Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories.

Rudyard tells us how the leopard got his spots, the camel got his hump, the whale got his throat and so forth.

But what does science make of these lyrical tales?

But on closer inspection, might Kipling's fantasies contain a grain of truth? And might the 'truth' as science understands it, be even more fantastic than fiction?

Kipling tells the story of a boastful butterfly who threatens to bring down a palace with the beat of his wings. But as Vivienne discovers, the butterfly effect is a real phenomenon in science

With chemist Andrea Sella and meteorologist Paul Davies

Discover the science behind some of Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories.

Vivienne Parry with the science behind Kipling's stories - such as the butterfly effect. Readings by Samuel West. From 2014.

Vivienne Parry considers another of the animals of Rudyard Kipling's much loved Just So Stories for Children.

Assisted by researchers of 'infinite sagacity', she sets out to discover whether his fantasies contain any grains of truth?

Kipling tells of a boastful butterfly threatening to bring down a palace with the beat of his wings.

Excerpts read by Samuel West.

Discover more of the science behind another of Kipling's Just So Stories.

Vivienne Parry with the science behind Kipling's stories - and the reality of the butterfly effect. Readings by Samuel West. From 2014.

[LISTEN NOW]

05 LAST

The Elephant's Child

20140627

20260320 (BBC7)
20150108 (R4)

In Kipling's tale, the elephant got his trunk from a crocodile on the banks of the great grey-green greasy Limpopo river. But does science understand how the trunk really evolved? Vivienne talks to researchers Kathleen Smith and her husband William Kier about the wonders of muscular hydrostats (trunks, tongues and tentacles to you and me) whilst vet Jon Hutchinson ponders the elephant's aquatic origins. Last of the series. The reader is Samuel West. Producer: Rami Tzabar

Vivienne Parry asks if science understands how the Elephant's trunk evolved

Vivienne Parry explores the science behind Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories.

Rudyard tells us how the leopard got his spots, the camel got his hump, the whale got his throat and so forth.

But what does science make of these lyrical tales?

But on closer inspection, might Kipling's fantasies contain a grain of truth? And might the 'truth' as science understands it, be even more fantastic than fiction?

In Kipling's tale, the elephant got his trunk from a crocodile on the banks of the great grey-green greasy Limpopo river. But does science understand how their trunk really evolved? Vivienne talks to researchers Kathleen Smith and her husband William Kier about the wonders of muscular hydrostats (trunks, tongues and tentacles to you and me) whilst biologist Jon Hutchinson ponders the elephant's aquatic origins.

Discover the science behind some of Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories.

Vivienne Parry with the science behind Kipling's stories - like muscular hydrostats. Readings by Samuel West. From 2014.

Vivienne Parry considers another of the animals of Rudyard Kipling's much loved Just So Stories for Children.

Assisted by researchers of 'infinite sagacity', she sets out to discover whether his fantasies contain any grains of truth?

Kipling' tells of the elephant got his trunk from a crocodile on the banks of the great grey-green greasy Limpopo river.

Excerpts read by Samuel West

Discover more of the science behind the last of Kipling's Just So Stories.

[LISTEN NOW]

Episodes

Series	Episode	Title	First Broadcast	Repeated	Comments
01	01	How The Whale Got His Throat	20130114	20200302 (BBC7) 20200303 (BBC7) 20250224 (BBC7) 20130724 (R4)	Rudyard tells us how the leopard got his spots, the camel his hump, the whale his throat and so forth. But what does science make of these lyrical tales? For the most part, Just So stories are to be dismissed as the antithesis of scientific reasoning. They're ad hoc fallacies, designed to explain-away a biological or behavioural trait, more akin to folklore than the laws of science. But on closer inspection, might Kipling's fantasies contain a grain of truth? And might the 'truth' as science understands it, be even more fantastic than fiction? So how does the largest creature that has ever lived feed itself? Howard Roe and Nick Pyenson, discuss the wonders of the whale's 'lunge feeding', said to be the largest biomechanical event on Earth. Discover the science behind some of Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories Vivienne Parry with the science behind Kipling's stories. How does a whale feed itself? With readings by Samuel West. From 2013. How does the largest creature that has ever lived feed itself? Howard Roe and Nick Pyenson, discuss the wonders of the whale's 'lunge feeding', said to be the largest biomechanical event on Earth. Vivienne Parry presents the science behind some of Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories. Vivienne Parry explores the science behind Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories. [LISTEN NOW]
01	02	How The Leopard Got His Spots	20130115	20200303 (BBC7) 20200304 (BBC7) 20250225 (BBC7) 20130731 (R4)	Chemist Andrea Sella and biologist Buzz Baum explain why a leopard could change its spots, thanks to mathematician Alan Turing. Vivienne Parry with the science behind Kipling's stories. Can a leopard change its spots? Readings by Samuel West. From 2013. Vivienne Parry presents the science behind some of Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories. Vivienne Parry explores the science behind Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories. Vivienne Parry presents more science behind some of Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories, with wondrous tales of how things really came to be. Rudyard tells us how the leopard got his spots, the camel his hump, the whale his throat and so forth. But what does science make of these lyrical tales? For the most part, Just So stories are to be dismissed as the antithesis of scientific reasoning. They're ad hoc fallacies, designed to explain-away a biological or behavioural trait, more akin to folklore than the laws of science. But on closer inspection, might Kipling's fantasies contain a grain of truth? And might the 'truth' as science understands it, be even more fantastic than fiction? Vivienne meets researchers whose work on some of Kipling's 'best beloved' creatures is helping us to answer a rather inconvenient question: how do traits evolve? Why are some animals the way they are? More of the science behind some of Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories [LISTEN NOW]
01	03	The Beginning Of The Armadillos	20130116	20200304 (BBC7) 20200305 (BBC7) 20250226 (BBC7) 20130828 (R4)	Part mammal, part reptile, part just plain weird. Why the story of the Armadillo is stranger than fiction, according to Richard Dawkins and Mariella Superina. Vivienne Parry with the science behind Kipling's stories and a tale stranger than fiction. Readings by Samuel West. From 2013. Vivienne Parry presents the science behind some of Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories. Vivienne Parry explores the science behind Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories. Vivienne Parry presents more science behind some of Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories, with wondrous tales of how things really came to be. Rudyard Kipling tells us how the leopard got his spots, the camel his hump, the whale his throat and so forth. But what does science make of these lyrical tales? For the most part, just-so stories are to be dismissed as the antithesis of scientific reasoning. They're ad hoc fallacies, designed to explain-away a biological or behavioural trait, more akin to folklore than the laws of science. But on closer inspection, might Kipling's fantasies contain a grain of truth? And might the 'truth' as science understands it, be even more fantastic than fiction? Vivienne meets researchers whose work on some of Kipling's 'best beloved' creatures is helping us to answer a rather inconvenient question: how do traits evolve? Why are some animals the way they are? More of the science behind some of Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories [LISTEN NOW]
01	04	How The Rhinoceros Got His Skin	20130117	20200305 (BBC7) 20200306 (BBC7) 20250227 (BBC7) 20130807 (R4)	Rhinos and horses have much in common. John Hutchinson studies both, but just don't ask to look inside his freezer. Vivienne Parry with the science behind Kipling's stories and some horse and rhino truths. Readings by Samuel West. From 2013. Vivienne Parry presents the science behind some of Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories. Vivienne Parry explores the science behind Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories. Rudyard Kipling tells us how the leopard got his spots, the camel his hump, the whale his throat and so forth. But what does science make of these lyrical tales? For the most part, just-so stories are to be dismissed as the antithesis of scientific reasoning. They're ad hoc fallacies, designed to explain-away a biological or behavioural trait, more akin to folklore than the laws of science. But on closer inspection, might Kipling's fantasies contain a grain of truth? And might the 'truth' as science understands it, be even more fantastic than fiction? More of the science behind some of Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories [LISTEN NOW]
01	05 LAST	The Cat That Walked, By Himself	20130118	20200306 (BBC7) 20200307 (BBC7) 20250228 (BBC7) 20130814 (R4)	Do we keep cats, or do they keep us? The myths and the mysteries of felis catus explored by Patrick Bateson and John Bradshaw. Vivienne Parry with the science behind Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories, including cats. Vivienne Parry with the science behind Kipling's stories and the mysteries of felis catus. Readings by Samuel West. From 2013. Vivienne Parry presents the science behind some of Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories. Vivienne Parry explores the science behind Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories. Rudyard Kipling tells us how the leopard got his spots, the camel his hump, the whale his throat and so forth. But what does science make of these lyrical tales? For the most part, just-so stories are to be dismissed as the antithesis of scientific reasoning. They're ad hoc fallacies, designed to explain-away a biological or behavioural trait, more akin to folklore than the laws of science. But on closer inspection, might Kipling's fantasies contain a grain of truth? And might the 'truth' as science understands it, be even more fantastic than fiction? More of the science behind Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories, including cats. [LISTEN NOW]
02	01	How The Camel Got His Hump	20140623	20260316 (BBC7) 20150105 (R4)	Returning for a second series, Vivienne Parry considers the animals of Rudyard Kipling's much loved Just So Stories for Children. Assisted by researchers of 'infinite sagacity' (that means they're awfully clever) she'll discover if science can yet explain how the camel got his hump, the kangaroo his hop or the elephant his trunk. Kipling's tales are brought to life by the actor Samuel West. In How the Camel Got his Hump, Kipling's beast is as grumpy as they come and is punished for his laziness. Vivienne talks to Dr Lulu Skidmore, Director of the Camel Reproduction Centre in Dubai about the tricky business of Camel IVF and the truth about just how grumpy (and lazy) these beasts are. The reader is Samuel West. Producer: Rami Tzabar. Vivienne Parry discovers if camels truly deserve their reputation as lazy and grumpy Vivienne Parry explores the science behind Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories. The stories tell us how the leopard got his spots, the camel got his hump, the whale got his throat and so forth. But what does science make of these lyrical tales? For the most part, Just So stories are to be dismissed as the antithesis of scientific reasoning. They're ad hoc fallacies, designed to explain-away a biological or behavioural trait, more akin to folklore than the laws of science. But on closer inspection, might Kipling's fantasies contain a grain of truth? And might the 'truth' as science understands it, be even more fantastic than fiction? Vivienne talks to Dr Lulu Skidmore, Director of the Camel Reproduction Centre in Dubai, about the tricky business of Camel IVF and tries to find an explanation for their reputation as grumpy, lazy animals. Excerpts from the five Just So Stories are read by Samuel West Discover the science behind some of Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories. Vivienne Parry with the science behind Kipling's stories - how did the camel get its hump? Readings by Sam West. From 2014. [LISTEN NOW]
02	02	The Crab That Played With The Sea	20140624	20260317 (BBC7) 20150106 (R4)	In The Crab that Played with the Sea, Kipling tells the tale of arrogant and mischievous Pau Amma the mighty King Crab who eventually gets his comeuppance. For Palaeontologist Richard Fortey, it's the indestructible horseshoe crab that should be regarded as truly regal, with its copper-rich blue blood and incredible longevity, having remained almost stubbornly the same for nearly 500 million years. The reader is Samuel West. Producer: Rami Tzabar Vivienne Parry explores the science behind Kipling's tale of mighty king crab Pau Amma Vivienne Parry explores the science behind Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories. Rudyard tells us how the leopard got his spots, the camel got his hump, the whale got his throat and so forth. But what does science make of these lyrical tales? For the most part, Just So stories are to be dismissed as the antithesis of scientific reasoning. They're ad hoc fallacies, designed to explain-away a biological or behavioural trait, more akin to folklore than the laws of science. But on closer inspection, might Kipling's fantasies contain a grain of truth? And might the 'truth' as science understands it, be even more fantastic than fiction? For paleontologist Richard Fortey, it's the indestructible horseshoe crab that should be regarded as truly regal, with its copper-rich blue blood and incredible longevity, having remained almost stubbornly the same for nearly 500 million years. Excerpts from the stories are read by Samuel West. Discover the science behind some of Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories. Vivienne Parry with the science behind Kipling's stories. The wonder of the horseshoe crab. Readings by Samuel West. From 2014. Vivienne Parry considers another of the animals of Rudyard Kipling's much loved Just So Stories for Children. Assisted by researchers of 'infinite sagacity', she sets out to discover whether his fantasies contain any grains of truth? With its copper-rich blue blood and incredible longevity, it has remained almost stubbornly the same for nearly 500 million years! . Discover more of the science behind another of Kipling's Just So Stories. [LISTEN NOW]
02	03	The Sing-song Of Old Man Kangaroo	20140625	20260318 (BBC7) 20150107 (R4)	Vivienne Parry considers the science of how the kangaroo got his hop Vivienne Parry explores the science behind Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories. Rudyard tells us how the leopard got his spots, the camel got his hump, the whale got his throat and so forth. But what does science make of these lyrical tales? For the most part, Just So stories are to be dismissed as the antithesis of scientific reasoning. They're ad hoc fallacies, designed to explain-away a biological or behavioural trait, more akin to folklore than the laws of science. But on closer inspection, might Kipling's fantasies contain a grain of truth? And might the 'truth' as science understands it, be even more fantastic than fiction? Jon Hutchinson and Maria Nilsson discuss how the kangaroo got his hop and why Skippy is no longer considered Australian - at least, genetically. Discover the science behind some of Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories. Vivienne Parry with the science behind Kipling's stories. So, why does the kangaroo jump? Readings by Samuel West. From 2014. Vivienne Parry considers another of the animals from Rudyard Kipling's much loved Just So Stories for Children. Assisted by researchers of 'infinite sagacity', she sets out to discover whether his fantasies contain any grains of truth? So what about Old Man Kangaroo? Jon Hutchinson and Maria Nilsson discuss how the kangaroo got his hop and why TV's Skippy is no longer considered Australian - at least, genetically. Excerpts read by Samuel West. Discover more of the science behind another of Kipling's Just So Stories. [LISTEN NOW]
02	04	The Butterfly That Stamped	20140626	20260319 (BBC7)	Vivienne Parry explores the chaotic nature of science in Kipling's tale of a butterfly Vivienne Parry explores the science behind Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories. Rudyard tells us how the leopard got his spots, the camel got his hump, the whale got his throat and so forth. But what does science make of these lyrical tales? For the most part, Just So stories are to be dismissed as the antithesis of scientific reasoning. They're ad hoc fallacies, designed to explain-away a biological or behavioural trait, more akin to folklore than the laws of science. But on closer inspection, might Kipling's fantasies contain a grain of truth? And might the 'truth' as science understands it, be even more fantastic than fiction? Kipling tells the story of a boastful butterfly who threatens to bring down a palace with the beat of his wings. But as Vivienne discovers, the butterfly effect is a real phenomenon in science With chemist Andrea Sella and meteorologist Paul Davies Discover the science behind some of Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories. Vivienne Parry with the science behind Kipling's stories - such as the butterfly effect. Readings by Samuel West. From 2014. Vivienne Parry considers another of the animals of Rudyard Kipling's much loved Just So Stories for Children. Assisted by researchers of 'infinite sagacity', she sets out to discover whether his fantasies contain any grains of truth? Kipling tells of a boastful butterfly threatening to bring down a palace with the beat of his wings. Excerpts read by Samuel West. Discover more of the science behind another of Kipling's Just So Stories. Vivienne Parry with the science behind Kipling's stories - and the reality of the butterfly effect. Readings by Samuel West. From 2014. [LISTEN NOW]
02	05 LAST	The Elephant's Child	20140627	20260320 (BBC7) 20150108 (R4)	In Kipling's tale, the elephant got his trunk from a crocodile on the banks of the great grey-green greasy Limpopo river. But does science understand how the trunk really evolved? Vivienne talks to researchers Kathleen Smith and her husband William Kier about the wonders of muscular hydrostats (trunks, tongues and tentacles to you and me) whilst vet Jon Hutchinson ponders the elephant's aquatic origins. Last of the series. The reader is Samuel West. Producer: Rami Tzabar Vivienne Parry asks if science understands how the Elephant's trunk evolved Vivienne Parry explores the science behind Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories. Rudyard tells us how the leopard got his spots, the camel got his hump, the whale got his throat and so forth. But what does science make of these lyrical tales? For the most part, Just So stories are to be dismissed as the antithesis of scientific reasoning. They're ad hoc fallacies, designed to explain-away a biological or behavioural trait, more akin to folklore than the laws of science. But on closer inspection, might Kipling's fantasies contain a grain of truth? And might the 'truth' as science understands it, be even more fantastic than fiction? In Kipling's tale, the elephant got his trunk from a crocodile on the banks of the great grey-green greasy Limpopo river. But does science understand how their trunk really evolved? Vivienne talks to researchers Kathleen Smith and her husband William Kier about the wonders of muscular hydrostats (trunks, tongues and tentacles to you and me) whilst biologist Jon Hutchinson ponders the elephant's aquatic origins. Discover the science behind some of Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories. Vivienne Parry with the science behind Kipling's stories - like muscular hydrostats. Readings by Samuel West. From 2014. Vivienne Parry considers another of the animals of Rudyard Kipling's much loved Just So Stories for Children. Assisted by researchers of 'infinite sagacity', she sets out to discover whether his fantasies contain any grains of truth? Kipling' tells of the elephant got his trunk from a crocodile on the banks of the great grey-green greasy Limpopo river. Excerpts read by Samuel West Discover more of the science behind the last of Kipling's Just So Stories. [LISTEN NOW]