Schlaue Schwärme (Documentary, German)
Genres: Nature
Status: Ended
Premiered: 2023-03-05
Ended: 2023-03-12
Network: ZDF
Country: DE
Runtime: 50 minutes
Swarms – whether insects, animals, birds, or even humans – are powerful and complex coordinated actions between individuals, working together to benefit the community. Some see a higher intelligence in a swarm, while others doubt the wisdom of crowds. Swarm behaviour has even been equated with herd stupidity. In this two-part documentary, internationally renowned scientists and experts from diverse research fields dispel prejudices and show the intelligence of swarms. Using fascinating high-speed recordings and thermal images of various natural swarms, the researchers attempt to break down swarm codes, explain strange collective behaviour, and explore how we can learn from nature to bring about astounding technological advances. This series aims to help viewers understand the intelli- gence and organised chaos of swarms, even as they are mesmerised by the swarms' astonishing beauty.