Spring in the Arctic Is a Changing Ice World
In Spring in the Arctic Is a Changing Ice World, narrator Sir David Attenborough highlights the changing ice world as the Arctic transitions from winter to spring. While many birds migrate south for warmth, eider ducks endure the extreme cold, relying on a rare opening in the ice called a "polynya" for survival. These ducks dive beneath the ice to feed on mussel beds, but they must act quickly before the powerful ocean currents return. Meanwhile, the availability of food in these polynyas attracts predators, adding another challenge to survival in this harsh environment. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Planet Earth, a breathtaking documentary series that highlights the natural wonders of our planet.
Lesson Express
Q: What is a polynya, and why is it important for Arctic wildlife?
A: A polynya is a permanent hole in the sea ice that remains open due to strong ocean currents. It provides a critical feeding and resting area for animals that stay in the Arctic year round, such as eider ducks.
Q: Why do some birds migrate south while others stay in the Arctic?
A: Some birds migrate south to escape the extreme cold and find more abundant food, while others, like eider ducks, have adapted to survive in the Arctic by relying on unique food sources like mussel beds beneath the ice.
Q: What challenges do eider ducks face when feeding in the Arctic?
A: Eider ducks must dive quickly to collect food before the ocean currents become too strong. Additionally, open water in the Arctic attracts predators, making feeding a risky activity.
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