The Strange World of Troglobites
In The Strange World of Troglobites, narrator Sir David Attenborough explores the fascinating world of troglobites, creatures that have adapted to living entirely in caves. These animals, including the Texas blind salamander and the Belizean white crab, are unique to their environments and have evolved specialized features to survive in total darkness. Lacking pigment and eyesight, they rely on other heightened senses to detect food. The cave angelfish uses microscopic hooks to cling to slippery surfaces, and the blind salamander can detect water movement to locate prey. 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 are some of the unique adaptations of troglobites?
A: Some of the troglobites' adaptations include loss of eyes and pigment, heightened sensory organs, and the ability to survive long periods without food.
Q: How do troglobites find food in an environment with little to no plant life?
A: They rely on movements in the water, bacteria, or food washed into the cave from outside.
Q: How does the cave angelfish stay in place on slippery cave surfaces?
A: It uses microscopic hooks on its fins to grip onto rocks.