Ep 5. Seeing the Pattern

David Attenborough's Natural Curiosities is a fascinating and educational television series that explores the natural world around us. In season 1 episode 5, entitled "Seeing the Pattern," viewers are taken on a journey through the animal kingdom to explore the intricate patterns and designs found in nature.

Throughout the episode, Attenborough focuses on the ways in which animals use patterns to communicate, blend in with their surroundings, and even defend themselves from predators. Viewers will learn fascinating facts about some of the animal kingdom's most iconic patterns, including those of the zebra, the peacock, and the giraffe.

One of the most interesting segments of the episode focuses on the ways in which animals use patterns to communicate with one another. For example, Attenborough explains how some species of fish use color patterns on their bodies to signal to other fish in their area. Some fish use bold, contrasting stripes to signal when they are stressed or aggressive, while others use muted colors to blend in with their surroundings and avoid detection.

The episode also explores the different ways in which animals use patterns to avoid predators. Attenborough explains how the stripes on a zebra's coat help to confuse predators, as it becomes more difficult for predators to distinguish individual zebras from one another. Similarly, the spotted coat of a giraffe helps to break up the animal's silhouette, making it more difficult to spot among trees and other foliage.

As the episode progresses, viewers are introduced to a wide range of extraordinary creatures and their unique patterns. Attenborough explores the harlequin filefish, a species of fish that uses intricate patterns on its body to blend in with the coral reef; the emperor penguin, which uses the unique pattern of its plumage to recognize its mate in a crowded colony; and the peacock spider, which uses a dazzling display of colors and patterns to court potential mates.

Overall, "Seeing the Pattern" is an engaging and informative episode of David Attenborough's Natural Curiosities. Viewers will come away with a newfound appreciation for the beauty and complexity of the natural world, as well as a deeper understanding of the ways in which animals use patterns to communicate, hide, and protect themselves in their respective environments. Whether you're a lifelong animal lover or simply curious about the world around you, this episode is sure to captivate and educate in equal measure.