David Attenborough brings us the universal story that unites each of us with every animal on the planet, the story of the greatest of all adventures - the journey through life. In the first episode, animals overcome their first great hurdle - surviving infancy.

In the journey towards adulthood, a moment comes for all animals when they must strike out on their own. With their parents absent they must learn to survive in a dangerous world. At this stage of life every small success may mean the difference between life and death.

Animals must find somewhere to live - a place that provides the necessities of life, shelter from the elements and a refuge from enemies.

Animals must try to gain a position of power in their worlds. The most powerful have best access to food and water, and they are also the most attractive to the opposite sex.

David Attenborough explores the courtship displays of flame bowerbirds and pufferfish.

In this final episode, animals attempt to rear their offspring.