Ep 11. The Queen of Trees

In season 24, episode 11 of the popular television show Nature, viewers will be transported to the heart of Africa to witness one of the most unique relationships in the animal kingdom. The episode, titled The Queen of Trees, focuses on the intimate connection between the fig tree and the fig wasp.

The fig tree is one of the most important trees in the African savannah, providing food and shelter to a multitude of animal species. However, the fig tree relies on a tiny insect, the fig wasp, to complete its life cycle. The Queen of Trees explores how these two species coexist and rely on one another for survival.

The episode is set in the remote, picturesque landscape of Tanzania's Serengeti National Park. There, viewers will witness firsthand how the fig tree and fig wasp have evolved together over millions of years. The intricate relationship between the two species is so strong that the fig wasp cannot survive without the fig tree, and the fig tree cannot survive without the fig wasp.

The episode takes viewers inside the fig tree to explore the unique habitat created by its intertwined branches. The fig wasp uses this habitat to lay her eggs and complete her life cycle. The Queen of Trees also showcases the incredible lengths that the fig wasp goes to pollinate the fig tree, a task that requires her to squeeze into the tiny flowers within the fig tree's fruit.

Throughout the episode, viewers will witness the incredible beauty of the Serengeti landscape and the amazing creatures that call it home. From majestic elephants to tiny insects, the show captures the vibrancy of life in this African oasis.

The Queen of Trees also explores the impact of climate change on the fig tree and its relationship with the fig wasp. As temperatures rise, the timing of the fig tree's fruiting cycle may change, impacting the fig wasp's ability to complete its life cycle. The episode highlights the important role that the fig tree and fig wasp play in the larger ecosystem and why it's essential to protect these species.

Throughout the episode, viewers will learn more about the intricate and complex relationships between species and the importance of conservation. The Queen of Trees is a captivating and educational journey into one of the most unique relationships in the natural world.