The Sage Grouse Mating Show
In The Sage Grouse Mating Show, narrator Sir David Attenborough describes how male sage grouse put on an incredible show to impress nearby females in the grasslands of Wyoming. With their fancy feathers, proud poses, and unique sounds, these males pull out all the stops to prove they’re the best choice. The females, less colorful but very picky, carefully judge the males before deciding who’s worthy! 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 male sage grouse use their feathers and movements to attract a mate?
A: The male sage grouse display an array of beautiful feathers and make proud postures to catch the attention of nearby females. Their movements and feather displays are meant to show off their strength and beauty, signaling to the females that they are good candidates for mating.
Q: Why do you think the male sage grouse go to such lengths to impress the female?
A: The male sage grouse are trying to ensure that they get the chance to mate and pass on their genes. By displaying their feathers and making special sounds, they are trying to show the females that they are the strongest and healthiest choice for mating, which increases their chances of reproductive success.
Q: Why do female sage grouse choose their mates based on both appearance and sound?
A: Female sage grouse are looking for a mate that will give them the best chance of survival. They judge the male’s worthiness not only by his feathers and movements but also by the sounds that he makes, which can show how strong and healthy he is. This helps them select the best mate for producing strong offspring.