Ep 15. Nature's Perfect Partners

In this episode of Nature, titled "Nature's Perfect Partners," viewers are taken on a journey through the animal kingdom to discover some of the most extraordinary and unlikely partnerships in the natural world. From the African savanna to the depths of the ocean, animals have learned to work together in order to increase their chances of survival and success.

The episode begins with a look at the relationship between the honeyguide bird and the honey badger. The honeyguide has evolved a unique ability to lead the honey badger to beehives, where the badger can break open the hive and devour the honey inside. In return, the honey badger leaves behind scraps of honeycomb, which the honeyguide then feeds on. This mutually beneficial partnership has been documented for thousands of years and is a fascinating example of how different species can help each other survive.

Next, the episode explores the world of cleaner fish and their relationships with other fish in the ocean. For many species of fish, parasites and dead skin can cause serious health problems. Enter the cleaner fish, which have evolved a behavior where they will swim up to other fish and pick parasites off of their bodies. This seemingly altruistic behavior benefits both species, as the cleaner fish get a meal and the other fish get cleaned and healthier skin.

Moving on to land, the episode introduces viewers to the symbiotic relationship between oxpeckers and large mammals such as rhinos and zebras. Oxpeckers have a unique ability to locate and remove ticks from the skin of these mammals. This helps keep the large animals healthy and safe from tick-borne diseases, while also providing a meal for the oxpecker. This fascinating example of cooperation between species is just one of many in the animal kingdom.

The episode takes a turn towards the more unusual when it examines the relationship between the pistol shrimp and the goby fish. The pistol shrimp has a powerful claw that it uses to stun prey, but the shrimp is almost blind and needs help locating food. Enter the goby fish, which has excellent eyesight and can warn the shrimp of approaching predators. In return, the shrimp allows the goby to share its burrow, providing both species with shelter and a safe place to hide.

As the episode comes to a close, viewers are treated to a look at the mutually beneficial relationship between flowering plants and their pollinators. Bees, birds, butterflies, and many other species of animals help ensure the survival of plants by carrying pollen from one flower to another. In return, the plants provide these animals with nectar, a high-energy food source that is essential for their survival.

Overall, "Nature's Perfect Partners" is a fascinating look at the incredible ways that different species of animals work together in the natural world. From simple partnerships like the honeyguide and the honey badger to more complex relationships like those between cleaner fish and their clients, viewers will be amazed by the ingenuity and adaptability of these remarkable creatures. If you are a nature lover or simply curious about the wonders of the animal kingdom, this episode of Nature is not to be missed.