The Mysterious Nautilus
In The Mysterious Nautilus, narrator Sir David Attenborough highlights the nautilus, a fascinating marine creature that spends its days hiding over 1,300 feet (400 meters) deep in the ocean. Unlike its close relatives, the squid and octopus, which have lost their shells over time, the nautilus retains its protective spiral shell. This shell contains gas-filled chambers that control its buoyancy. Propelling itself backward using a water jet, the nautilus must rely on chemical sensors in its small tentacles to detect both prey and predators. One of its main predators is the octopus, a master of disguise. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Planet Earth, a breathtaking documentary series that highlights the natural wonders of our planet.
Lesson Express
Q: How does the nautilus control its depth in the ocean?
A: The nautilus has gas-filled chambers inside its shell that help it regulate buoyancy, allowing it to move up and down in the water.
Q: How is the nautilus different from its close relatives, the squid and the octopus?
A: Unlike squid and octopuses, which have lost their shells over time, the nautilus still has a hard external shell that protects it.
Q: Why does the nautilus hunt at night?
A: The nautilus ascends to the reef at night to find food while avoiding predators like the octopus, which is an expert in camouflage.