ZDF Enterprises

From our big brains to our hands, leading academics have long pondered the attributes that make us uniquely human. When compared to other animals, a fascinating story of human evolution emerges. Sometimes it’s the features we least think about that set us apart, like our special way of sweating. Other traits which we consider uniquely human, like our ability to use tools, are surprisingly widespread among other species.

With stunning footage and high-end graphics, this insightful series reveals what singles us out from the pack across two episodes.

Episode one, Birth, Brains and Brawn looks at body shape, development and movement, revealing the physical adaptations that gave us our edge in the animal kingdom. Episode two, Loving, Living and Dying, compares human and animal behaviour to find out what makes us truly unique.