 How do plants and animals stave off overheating and dehydration under a relentless sun—especially when burdened with thick skins, hides, or shells? This program looks at adaptations and survival techniques that cope with intense heat, particularly in desert environments. Venturing into the Sonora Desert, viewers learn about the sprawling root system of the saguaro cactus and the water recycling abilities of the desert tortoise. Moving into the human realm, the program studies passive cooling in ancient Sinagua pueblos as well as in new architectural forms, while highlighting the concept of urban heat islands. The human brain’s role in controlling heat distribution within the body is also a topic. (22 minutes)
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