Cephalopodcast

In the Womb is a new special airing on National Geographic next month. I have not seen it yet, but share PZ Myers’ reservations about the show. From the comments at The Daily Mail, it certainly seems to draw out the sappy sentiments.

So far it seems like they will be showcasing dogs, dolphins and elephants. I would have much preferred that the producers had also added some non-mammalian viviparity, like the sand tiger shark (Carcharias taurus). Their babies develop functional teeth while in the mother’s uteri. She does not provide direct nutrition to her young. Instead, the pups feed on each other while developing¹. Now that would make for some compelling television!