How Dolphins Hunt in Shallow Water
In How Dolphins Hunt in Shallow Water, narrator Sir David Attenborough explains that shallow water is no problem for smart and skilled bottlenose dolphins. See the many strategies they have for hunting fish in just centimeters of water. 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 do you think is the result of food not being evenly distributed in tropical shallow seas?
A: Student responses will vary. Students may mention fierce competition or few apex predators.
Q: How do dolphins adapt to hunting in shallow water?
A: They ride waves into the shallows; they slap the water with their tails to stun the fish; they hydroplane to snatch fish out of shallow water.
Q: What might happen if a dolphin tries to hydroplane into shallow water without enough speed?
A: It can become stranded.
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