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    A cut-throat case of evolutionary backstabbing in the Peruvian rainforest

    The Peruvian Amazon is teeming with life. For the flora and fauna that make it their home, this means that fierce competition is part of the bargain. This short from KQED’s science documentary series Deep Look investigates the remarkable measures species will take to get an edge in contested evolutionary battlegrounds, examining the curious case of big-headed ants, which have betrayed a longtime evolutionary ally, Inga trees, for a sweeter deal with a caterpillar.

    Video by KQED Science and PBS Digital Studios

    Producer: Josh Cassidy

    Narrator and Writer: Amy Standen

    2 February 2017
    Macro photo of a red ant’s face showing its mandibles and antennae. The background is blurred to focus on the ant’s detailed features.

    videoEvolution

    Incredible footage captures the ants that transform other species into loyal servants

    5 minutes

    Close-up photo of an Australian walking stick insect appearing camouflaged while hanging from a green branch

    videoEvolution

    The master-of-disguise creature whose whole life is an elaborate lie

    5 minutes

    Close-up photo of a giant leaf insect camouflaged as green leaves with brown edges perched on a plant, blending with the surroundings.

    videoEvolution

    When is a leaf not a leaf? When it’s got six legs and a face

    4 minutes

    Close-up of a carnivorous plant with red-tipped sticky hairs trapping a tiny insect, against a green blurred background.

    videoBiology

    Cape sundews move, react and attack in a way that seems more animal than plant

    4 minutes

    Colourful digital illustration of cartoon ants on green vegetation in a vibrant forest setting with blue and orange elements.

    videoEvolution

    The longest, most brutal wars on Earth are fought on ant-sized scales

    9 minutes

    A dark cave ceiling illuminated by numerous glowing blue lights, resembling a starry night sky.

    videoBiology

    Glow worms mimic stars, creating a stunning faux night sky in a New Zealand cave

    4 minutes

    A green praying mantis clinging to a plant stem, surrounded by blurred green foliage in the background.

    videoEvolution

    When is it worth sacrificing your life for the next generation?

    5 minutes

    Close-up of a leafcutter ant cutting a vibrant green and pink leaf with distinct veins, showcasing the intricate patterns and the ant’s detailed body.

    videoAnimals and humans

    An artist and ants collaborate on an exhibit of ‘tiny Abstract Expressionist paintings’

    5 minutes

    Black and white close-up photo of a lizard with its tongue extended, about to catch a worm. The background is dark and blurred.

    videoEvolution

    The many ways a lizard tongue sticks, grasps, pinches and plops – in slo-mo

    6 minutes