The Mustangs of Nevada
In The Mustangs of Nevada, narrator Sir David Attenborough describes the intense struggle between wild stallions competing for control of a waterhole in the Nevada Desert. These mustangs engage in fierce battles for access to water, a vital resource necessary for their survival in the desert. 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 stallions fight for control over the waterhole?
A: Stallions fight to establish dominance and secure access to water, a critical resource for their survival and the survival of their herd.
Q: How do these fights impact the herd's social structure?
A: The fight for dominance determines which stallion leads the herd, granting control over resources and breeding rights, shaping the herd’s dynamics and survival strategy.
Q: What strategies do mustangs use to survive in such a harsh environment?
A: Mustangs use their endurance to travel long distances for scarce resources, compete for water and territory, and rely on strong herd bonds for mutual protection.