How Musk Oxen Survive in the Arctic
In How Musk Oxen Survive in the Arctic, narrator Sir David Attenborough showcases musk oxen in the Arctic and their adaptations for survival in harsh conditions. The musk oxen can break through the frozen ground to access vegetation, creating opportunities for other animals like Arctic foxes and various birds. Calves are birthed early, allowing them to acclimate to their environment before summer arrives. 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 adaptations do musk oxen have that help them survive in the Arctic?
A: Musk oxen have thick fur to insulate against the cold, strong legs to break through ice, and a stocky body that conserves heat.
Q: How do musk oxen benefit other animals in the Arctic ecosystem?
A: By breaking through the ice to access vegetation, musk oxen expose food sources that can be used by other animals like Arctic foxes and birds.
Q: Why is it important for musk oxen calves to be born early in the spring?
A: Early births give the calves time to adapt to the environment and grow strong before the summer, when more food is available.
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In Musk Oxen Create a Circle of Safety, narrator Gordon Buchanan describes how white wolves separate a young musk ox calf from the herd, but it manages to stay on its feet long enough for the adults to come to its rescue. By forming a tight ring around the calf, the adult oxen scare off the wolves with their size and horns. This video is excerpted from BBC's Animal Babies, a heartwarming show that follows the first breaths, first steps, and first feeds of some adorable baby animals, revealing the challenges they face to survive in some of the toughest but most beautiful places on the planet.
In Norway’s Musk Oxen learn how the male musk ox protects his herd and fathers all the calves. Each mating season, other male musk oxen approach to take over his position. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Seven Worlds, One Planet, a series featuring remarkable animal behavior from all seven continents.
In Musk Oxen and a Clash of Polar Titans, narrator Sir David Attenborough highlights how musk oxen are grazing in the Arctic when an outsider comes too close. The resident musk ox attacks and a clash of the titans ensues. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Frozen Planet, a series that shows a fragile world of beauty and hostility, where nature finds a way to survive and thrive in frigid conditions.
In Musk Oxen Create a Circle of Safety, narrator Gordon Buchanan describes how white wolves separate a young musk ox calf from the herd, but it manages to stay on its feet long enough for the adults to come to its rescue. By forming a tight ring around the calf, the adult oxen scare off the wolves with their size and horns. This video is excerpted from BBC's Animal Babies, a heartwarming show that follows the first breaths, first steps, and first feeds of some adorable baby animals, revealing the challenges they face to survive in some of the toughest but most beautiful places on the planet.
In Norway’s Musk Oxen learn how the male musk ox protects his herd and fathers all the calves. Each mating season, other male musk oxen approach to take over his position. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Seven Worlds, One Planet, a series featuring remarkable animal behavior from all seven continents.