Animals can become intoxicated, but in the wild, drunkenness appears to be rare. This excerpt examines what alcohol does to the brain, how researchers study intoxication in mice and fruit flies, and why natural exposure usually does not lead to the same effects seen in the laboratory.
The investigation then turns to evolution. From exceptional cases in birds to the remarkable alcohol tolerance of the pen-tailed tree shrew, the excerpt explores what animals may reveal about our own ancient relationship with ethanol, and why humans respond so differently.
Documentary: Party Animals
Director: Jean-Yves Collet
Production: Bienvenue ! Productions (2012)
#alcohol #wildlife #animals #ethanol #evolution #animalbehavior #biology #naturedocumentary