We are all familiar with David Attenborough's iconic voice from his nature documentaries on the BBC. Recently, many media organizations have invested in producing high-quality nature documentaries, including Netflix's "The Wonderful Planet" series. This series takes us on a journey to remote areas of the world and exposes us to incredible sights that we may never have seen otherwise. We have curated 8 selected segments from this series for you to enjoy, complete with English explanations and details. Take a moment to watch and discover the amazing and fascinating world we live in.
1. The Original Unicorn
We are all familiar with the legendary creature known as the unicorn, and it is believed that the Narwhal may be the source of this myth. This rare and timid creature possesses a horn on its head which is actually a large tooth, although its purpose remains a mystery to scientists. Every summer, the Narwhals gather in the same location in the Arctic and wait for a break in the glacier, which they use to swim and hunt for food, while also taking shelter from predators in the ice.
2. Incredible Birds of Paradise displays
The birds of paradise are undoubtedly one of the most magnificent winged creatures in the natural world. These birds have a fascinating courtship ritual that even the most seasoned researchers find surprising. With 40 different species evolving from a crow-like ancestor, these birds have unique features that set them apart from other birds. The male birds of paradise, for instance, possess tail decorations that they use to tickle the face of their chosen mate. Additionally, some birds are capable of changing their shape in unusual ways.
3. Spinner Dolphins Hunting
The dolphin commonly known as the "spinner dolphin" gets its name from its unique spinning behavior. In the following video, you will witness a group of these dolphins who live in complex social bonds with one another. They communicate through clicks and whistles, and for every dolphin that appears above the surface of the water, there are 20 more swimming below. They are skilled hunters and in the next video, you will see them working together to hunt Lanternfish.
4. Of Mushrooms and Ants
The video depicts ants cultivating a mushroom garden with the help of protective bacteria, which scientists believe can be used for medicinal purposes in the future. Rainforests maintain a balance in insect populations through a parasitic fungus that infects various species, preventing any one insect from dominating the area. This powerful ecology demonstrates the high level of complexity in even the smallest of ecological niches.
5. The Cheetah's Hunt
The cheetah is known for its exceptional hunting skills that involve strategy and improvisation. In a recent video, a group of 5 cheetahs was observed attacking their prey by targeting different targets simultaneously. While they were successful in catching their prey, they were unable to guard it alone due to their limited strength. Therefore, they worked together as a team to catch the injured and exhausted animals.
6. Bathing Sea-Otters
The sea otter's fur is the thickest among all animals, making it impervious to water. Additionally, the sea otter adds air to its fur to create pockets of insulation, ensuring that it stays warm in cold water. Nonetheless, maintaining such dense fur requires significant effort. In an upcoming video, you'll see how the sea otter takes a bath to keep itself clean and healthy, much like humans.
7. Blue Manakin Birds Put on a Show
Excluding the always-impressive birds of paradise, there are various bird species that exhibit unique courtship dances, with the blue manakin being the most astonishing. The male of this species works alongside his friends to create a dance routine that will catch the female's eye. The entire process is divided into two stages - the rehearsal phase and the actual courtship dance. Rehearsals occur daily, with a young male taking the place of the female.
