Ep 3. Mate Expectations

In the third episode of Absurd Planet's first season, titled "Mate Expectations," viewers are taken on a journey through the world of animal courtship. The episode explores the bizarre and unique practices that various species employ in order to find a mate.

Beginning in the jungles of South America, the episode follows the journey of a tiny frog called the rocket frog. In order to attract a female frog, the male rocket frog must sing a specific love song, which he learns from other males in his chorus. This song is so unique that it can actually be used to identify individual frogs. The episode explores the intricacies of the frog's courtship ritual, as well as the dangers they face from predators while trying to find a mate.

Next, the episode takes viewers to the world's largest rainforest, where male manakins go to extremes to impress their potential mates. The manakins perform elaborate dance routines, complete with acrobatic feats and impressive vocalizations. The episode showcases the various types of manakins and their unique tactics for attracting a mate, such as the blue manakin's high-pitched whistle and the golden-collared manakin's "moonwalk" dance.

Moving on to the oceans, viewers are introduced to the magnificent frigatebird. The episode explains how male frigatebirds inflate a bright red pouch on their chest in order to attract a female. The pouch takes up so much space that the bird cannot fly while it is inflated, leaving it vulnerable to predators. The episode explores how this unique courtship display has led to the frigatebird becoming one of the world's most skilled aerial acrobats.

The episode also explores the courtship of one of the world's most endangered species, the Sumatran rhinoceros. The rhino species is dwindling rapidly, and researchers are working tirelessly to help them breed in captivity. The episode follows the journey of a young male rhino named Harapan as he is transported from Cincinnati to Indonesia to meet a potential mate. The episode showcases the challenges involved in rhino breeding, as well as the hope that these efforts may help to save the species.

Finally, the episode ends with an exploration of the courtship rituals of a less well-known species, the brush turkey. This bird, found in Australia, builds massive nests out of leaves and twigs in order to attract a female. The episode explains the complexities of the turkey's courtship ritual, which involves the male brush turkey continually adding to and rearranging his nest in order to attract a mate.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to stunning footage of these extraordinary animals and their fascinating courtship rituals. The episode also features interviews with scientists and experts who provide valuable insight into the behavior of these creatures. "Mate Expectations" is a must-see for anyone interested in the natural world and the unique ways in which animals find love.