The Lammergeier's Search for Bones
In The Lammergeier's Search for Bones, Sir David Attenborough describes how the lammergeier bird soars at altitudes over 14,000 feet in the mountains of Ethiopia. Unlike other vultures, this bird is after bones, so he waits for vultures to finish eating before grabbing one. To break it open and access the marrow, he flies high and drops the bone onto rocky ground, where it shatters into smaller pieces that he can swallow. This video is excerpted from BBC's Life, a show that explores the remarkable strategies animals and plants use to ensure their survival.
Lesson Express
Q: How does the lammergeier’s ability to fly at high altitudes help it with finding food?
A: The lammergeier can soar at high altitudes, allowing it to cover large areas in search of animal carcasses and to spot other scavengers like griffon vultures. This helps it find food more efficiently.
Q: What is the significance of the lammergeier’s technique of dropping the bone from high up?
A: Dropping the bone from high altitudes allows the lammergeier to break it into smaller, more manageable pieces, making it easier to eat and access the marrow inside.
Q: How do you think the lammergeier’s method of breaking bones might affect its survival in the wild?
A: The lammergeier’s unique method of breaking bones gives it a competitive advantage over other birds by allowing it to access nutrients other scavengers can’t, which helps it survive in harsh environments where food may be scarce.
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