Beyond the villain: uncovering the true nature of the hyena
In short: Often cast as the cinematic villain, hyenas are far more complex than media portrayals suggest. This behind-the-scenes look at the Natural History Museum's vertebrate collection explores the evolutionary history and anatomy of these misunderstood mammals.
Presenter James and scientist Dr. Natalie Cooper examine skull specimens to investigate the four living species of Hyaenidae: the spotted hyena, brown hyena, striped hyena, and aardwolf. The video explores fundamental questions regarding their eating habits, whether they are more closely related to cats or dogs, and their ancestral diets.
By looking closely at their anatomy, the film seeks to challenge the negative stereotypes often found in popular culture.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Nasty or nice? | A closer look at hyenas
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