Ep 20. Transformers

The Most Extreme season 5 episode 20, titled Transformers, takes a closer look at some of the most amazing animals that can change their shapes to adapt to their environment or protect themselves from predators.

The episode first explores the chameleon, a lizard that is famous for its ability to change its skin color to match its surroundings. Viewers will learn how chameleons are able to perceive colors and how they use their complex color-changing abilities to communicate with each other, impress potential mates, or camouflage themselves from predators.

Next, the episode moves on to the octopus, a highly intelligent cephalopod that is known for its remarkable ability to change not only its skin color but also its texture and shape. Viewers will discover how octopuses are able to manipulate their bodies in order to blend in with the ocean floor, mimic other marine animals, or create elaborate hiding places to evade predators.

The episode then turns its attention to the mimic octopus, a species of octopus that is particularly adept at changing its shape and behavior to mimic other animals, such as flounders, sea snakes, and lionfish. Viewers will learn how this master of disguise is able to fool its predators by altering not only its color and texture but also its swimming style, posture, and movement.

The episode also features the cuttlefish, another type of cephalopod that is able to change its skin color and pattern in order to communicate with other cuttlefish, attract mates, or ward off predators. Viewers will marvel at the cuttlefish's remarkable shape-shifting abilities and discover how it is able to create complex visual displays by manipulating its chromatophores, or pigment-containing cells.

Finally, the episode explores the incredible world of insect mimicry, in which various species of insects are able to mimic other insects, plants, or even rocks in order to evade predators or attract prey. Viewers will discover how certain butterflies are able to mimic the appearance of toxic or unpalatable species of butterflies, how some insects are able to mimic the shape and color of twigs or leaves, and how others are able to mimic the appearance of ants or spiders in order to blend in with their environment or avoid being eaten.

With stunning footage of these amazing animals in action, The Most Extreme season 5 episode 20: Transformers, offers a fascinating look at the incredible world of shape-shifting animals and the remarkable adaptations they have evolved to survive and thrive in their environment.