Meet the Mudskipper, a Fish Out of Water
In Meet the Mudskipper, a Fish Out of Water, narrator Sir David Attenborough introduces the mudskipper, a fish like no other! These fascinating creatures can breathe air, walk on land, and dig deep tunnels in the mud to create safe homes and egg chambers. Plus, male mudskippers leap high into the air to impress females and fiercely defend their territory from rivals!. 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 do the mudskipper’s unique adaptations, like breathing air and moving on land, help it survive in its environment?
A: These adaptations allow the mudskipper to explore and defend its territory on land, escape aquatic predators, and dig mud tunnels for shelter and egg-laying, giving it an advantage in its specific habitat.
Q: Why do you think male mudskippers perform high jumps to attract females, and how might this behavior affect their survival?
A: The high jumps help males stand out to potential mates, showing their strength and fitness. However, this behavior might also make them more visible to predators or rival males.
Q: How does the U-shaped design of the mudskipper’s tunnel contribute to its survival and the survival of its offspring?
A: The U-shape provides a safe retreat from predators and harsh conditions, while the chamber at the end offers a protected space for laying and guarding eggs, ensuring the young have a better chance of survival.
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In Our Seasons Are All Because of a Tilt, narrator Sir David Attenborough explains how our annual rhythms are caused by Earth’s tilt on its axis as it orbits the Sun. Trees blossom or shed leaves, daylight increases or decreases, and animals adapt to the changes. This video is excerpted from BBC's Planet Earth, a breathtaking documentary series that highlights the natural wonders of our planet.
In Salamanders on the Hunt, narrator Sir David Attenborough joins the world’s largest amphibian on its nighttime hunt. Learn how sensory nodes make up for its poor eyesight as it searches for prey. This video is excerpted from BBC's Planet Earth, a breathtaking documentary series that highlights the natural wonders of our planet.