Ep 4. The Making Of

David Attenborough's Great Barrier Reef season 1 episode 4 is titled "The Making Of." In this episode, viewers are taken behind the scenes of one of the world's most beautiful natural wonders – the Great Barrier Reef.

The episode begins with David Attenborough giving a brief history of how the Great Barrier Reef was formed. He explains that the reef began growing more than 25 million years ago and is still growing today. Attenborough also talks about the role of coral and how it is the foundation of the reef.

The episode then moves on to explain the life cycle of coral and how it reproduces. Viewers learn about coral spawning and how this event only happens once a year. The episode showcases amazing footage of the spawning process and explains how the fertilized eggs lead to the growth of new coral colonies.

The episode then moves on to the impact of climate change on the Great Barrier Reef. Attenborough explains how rising temperatures and ocean acidification are having a devastating effect on the reef's ecosystem. The episode showcases footage of coral bleaching – a phenomenon where coral loses its color and slowly dies. The episode also showcases the effect of coral bleaching on the fish and other creatures that rely on the reef for survival.

The episode then moves on to explain the human impact on the Great Barrier Reef. Viewers learn about the damage caused by fishing, overfishing, and pollution. The episode showcases the efforts of conservationists to preserve and protect the reef, including a visit to a coral nursery and an explanation of how scientists are experimenting with new ways to protect the Great Barrier Reef.

Throughout the episode, Attenborough provides fascinating and insightful commentary about the Great Barrier Reef and its importance to our planet. He talks about the scientific research being conducted to better understand the reef and the efforts being made to protect it.

Overall, "The Making Of" is an eye-opening and educational episode that highlights the beauty and fragility of the Great Barrier Reef. It showcases the incredible diversity of life that exists on the reef and explains the importance of protecting this natural wonder for future generations.