Cacti, Hawks, and the Butcherbird
In Cacti, Hawks, and the Butcherbird, narrator Sir David Attenborough shows how animals in the American deserts use cacti as a vital resource for survival. Learn how the butcherbird stores its prey on cactus spikes and how hawks and other creatures adapt to the harsh desert environment. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Planet Earth II, a breathtaking documentary series that highlights the natural wonders of our planet.
Lesson Express
Q: How do the animals in the desert use cacti to their advantage?
A: Some animals, like the butcherbird, use cactus spikes to store their prey for later. Others rely on cacti for water storage, shade, or as protection from predators.
Q: What adaptations do desert animals have to survive in such a harsh environment?
A: Desert animals have adaptations like storing water in their bodies, being active at night to avoid the heat, and using features like camouflage or burrowing to stay cool and safe.
Q: Why is it important for animals to adapt to extreme environments like the desert?
A: Adaptations allow animals to survive despite challenges like limited water, extreme heat, and few food sources, ensuring their species can thrive even in harsh conditions.
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In The Atacama Desert: A Secret Water Supply, narrator Sir David Attenborough explores The Atacama, the driest desert in the world. Learn about the guanaco that live there and the desert mist, created when cold water from the ocean cools the moist, warm air above it. This video is excerpted from BBC's Planet Earth, a breathtaking documentary series that highlights the natural wonders of our planet.