The Industrious Insects of the Grasslands
In The Industrious Insects of the Grasslands, narrator Sir David Attenborough explains that around the world, over one-third of the grass that grows will be harvested by insects. Grass cutter ants harvest grass to feed underground fungus that they feed upon. Termites can digest grass, and they in turn become food for the giant anteater. After a prairie fire, termites and anteaters must wait for living roots to regenerate grass. 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: Why do grass cutter ants harvest grass if they don’t eat it?
A: The rotting grass feeds fungus, which the ants do eat.
Q: What percentage of the grass on Earth is harvested by insects?
A: It’s estimated that one-third of the grass on Earth is harvested by an insect.
Q: Why do compass termites build mounds out of clay?
A: The mounds of clay protect the termites from heat and seasonal floods.
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In African Grasslands Provide Food for Millions, narrator Sir David Attenborough teaches about how some animals eat grass and grass seeds. The East African savannas supports a population of 1.5 million red-billed quelea, and nearly 2 million wildebeest. This video is excerpted from BBC's Planet Earth, a breathtaking documentary series that highlights the natural wonders of our planet.
In Fire in the Great Plains, narrator Sir David Attenborough examines what happens in the Great Plains when there’s a fire. Gazelles can outrun the flames and burnt grass can repair and regrow. This video is excerpted from BBC's Planet Earth, a breathtaking documentary series that highlights the natural wonders of our planet.
In The Wet Season Comes to the Savanna, narrator Sir David Attenborough explores what happens when the dry season comes to an end across the African savanna and the herds return to the plains. When submerged by seasonal floods, the grass of the African savanna can still grow. Watch as a young baboon climbs on top of an adult to avoid the water. This video is excerpted from BBC's Planet Earth, a breathtaking documentary series that highlights the natural wonders of our planet.