Watch Attenborough and The Sea Dragon

Attenborough and The Sea Dragon is a fascinating and breathtaking documentary that takes its viewers back in time to the Jurassic period, over 200 million years ago. This one-hour film, produced by the BBC, explores the story of the discovery of an ancient prehistoric creature, the Ichthyosaur, and its relationship to the evolution of sea creatures.

Narrated and presented by the legendary naturalist Sir David Attenborough, the documentary starts with a brief introduction to the phenomenon of fossilization and how it has helped us understand the history of our planet's creatures. Sir Attenborough takes us on a journey to the UK where a team of paleontologists discovered a 200-million-year-old dinosaur fossil.

The film captures the excitement of the discovery of the first Ichthyosaur fossil in 1811 by Mary Anning, a pioneering fossil hunter. The fossil, the first found outside of Germany, was at first thought to be a crocodile or whale skeleton due to its size and shape. However, upon closer inspection, Anning and her colleagues realized that it was an entirely new species - the Ichthyosaur.

The documentary then shifts focus to Benjamin Moon, a paleontologist who specialized in studying the Ichthyosaur. Moon is shown exploring the Jurassic Coast of the UK, a region famous for its fossils. He explains that by studying the anatomy and behaviors of the Ichthyosaur, scientists are able to learn more about how these creatures lived millions of years ago.

Throughout the documentary, modern technology is used to bring the Ichthyosaur back to life. CG animation is used to create realistic depictions of how the Ichthyosaur might have looked and moved. Additionally, 3D CT scans of an Ichthyosaur skull are taken to provide clues about how the creature's senses and behavior may have evolved.

The documentary also provides insight into the ecology of the Jurassic period. Sir Attenborough describes the world in which the Ichthyosaur lived, highlighting how the creature fit into its ecosystem. This context helps viewers to understand the importance of the Ichthyosaur's place in Earth's evolution.

Throughout the film, the focus is on the relationship between the Ichthyosaur and the environment in which it lived. The documentary shows how the Ichthyosaur adapted to its environment, and how its environment shaped its evolution. As we learn more about the Ichthyosaur's life and the world it inhabited, we begin to realize the sheer complexity of Earth’s history and its inhabitants.

Attenborough and The Sea Dragon also explores the challenges faced by paleontologists today, including the limitations of studying fossils and the importance of preserving Earth's remaining natural resources. The documentary is a reminder of the need to continue to study Earth's history and its inhabitants, both to better understand our past and to ensure the survival of our planet's ecosystems in the future.

The film's breathtaking cinematography and engaging narration by Sir Attenborough make for a captivating viewing experience. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in Earth's history, the study of dinosaurs, and the evolution of sea creatures. Attenborough and The Sea Dragon is a testament to the power of science and technology to unlock the mysteries of our planet's history, and a reminder of the critical importance of understanding and preserving the world around us.