The Home of the Dugong
In The Home of the Dugong, narrator Sir David Attenborough explains that survival is not easy for animals that live outside the coral reef. Witness their defense mechanisms, and get to know the huge and gentle dugong. 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 are some defense mechanisms you saw in the video?
A: An octopus uses camouflage to blend into its surroundings; the gurnard disguises its shape with large fins; the jawfish hides underground; the wonderpus warns of its dangerous bite.
Q: How is the open shallow sea similar to a prairie?
A: It is a large, flat expanse; grasses grow there; it supports herds of grazing animals; it is lush and green.
Q: How does the dugong obtain enough food to sustain its half-ton body?
A: It uses large, mobile lips to push sand aside and excavate the rhizomes of the sea-grass.
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In Coral Reefs at Night, narrator Sir David Attenborough explains how coral emerge at night to eat, grow, and defend their territory, with dramatic consequences. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Blue Planet, a definitive documentary series diving into the mysterious depths of the sea to discover the natural history of the world’s oceans and the rarely seen marine life that reside there.
In The Sarcastic Fringehead's Turf War, narrator Sir David Attenborough discovers the sarcastic fringehead fish, known for its temper and fierce competition for food and shelter. Watch one fish defend its prized shell from an octopus that enters its territory. But the battle doesn’t stop there — fringeheads also fight each other to protect their space and food, proving just how tough life can be under the sea! This video is excerpted from BBC's Life, a show that explores the remarkable strategies animals and plants use to ensure their survival.
In Pollinators and Plants, Nature’s Perfect Pair, narrator Sir David Attenborough explores the fascinating teamwork — and clever defenses — between plants and pollinators! Monarch butterflies rely on milkweed plants for laying eggs and gathering nectar, but the plant defends itself with a sap that challenges the caterpillars. Meanwhile, the Heliconia plant carefully rations nectar to keep the hummingbird returning, as only this bird’s uniquely shaped beak can pollinate it! This video is excerpted from BBC's Life, a show that explores the remarkable strategies animals and plants use to ensure their survival.
In Kelp Thrive With Their Attack and Defense Techniques, narrator Sir David Attenborough witnesses the attack and defense techniques of unusual marine creatures. Sea urchins gang up on kelp, a starfish uses its feet to taste prey, and sand dollars cluster together to avoid being liquefied! This video is excerpted from BBC's Planet Earth, a breathtaking documentary series that highlights the natural wonders of our planet.