Ep 5. Giant Squid
- June 20, 2012
Inside Nature's Giants takes us on a wild ride in episode 5 of its first season with the fascination of the majestic Giant Squid. These creatures, which has lured men to the depths of the world's oceans for ages, are mysterious and shy, to the point of almost being reclusive. The episode aims to unveil the secrets of this creature by uncovering and examining the anatomy of one, captured by fishermen in the Falkland Islands.
The episode starts by introducing the team of experienced zoologists and anatomists expressing their excitement to dissect the squid. They're eager to observe and document the features and behaviors of this animal that has remained mostly a mystery to science and witnessed only rarely. The cutaway shots and animations that the show frequently uses provide context to the audience, such as the squid's temperament, habitat, and how they typically hunt prey.
After receiving the frozen squid carcass, the team prepares the scene to start the dissection process. A giant squid's body is massive and tough, making the dissection process more challenging than other animals they've worked on before. The creature's body has eight arms, two tentacles, and a bulbous head called the mantle, making the scientists' job intricate and demanding.
As the team of scientists separates the skin from the body, we see one of the highlights of the episode, the torpedo-shaped body of the squid, which has remained a mystery to humans until now. They reveal how the squid expels water from its body to move forward in the ocean without exerting too much energy, allowing it to travel long distances with minimal effort.
Next, the scientists focus their attention on the eyes and shows us amazing footage of its variety of photoreceptor cells, which are crucial for its survival in the deep ocean. They also analyze the gigantic lens of its eyes, which enable the giant squid to see in murky, low light environments. While discussing the importance of the eyes for survival in the ocean, the scientists share footage of baitfish getting devoured in the ocean depths, illustrating the dynamic hunting mechanism of the giant squid.
Throughout the episode, the team provides fascinating insights into the anatomy of the giant squid and compares it to other sea creatures such as whales, dolphins, and other cephalopods. The dedication of the scientists to understand the intricacies of the giant squid is very clear.
Inside Nature's Giants episode on the Giant Squid also provides a glimpse into the impact of human developments on marine life. It highlights the rapid changes this species is experiencing due to climate change; one of the factors causing the giant squid's displacement from its natural habitat. The viewers see that although considered scarce, these creatures play an essential role in maintaining the balance of the ocean's ecosystem, which is why it is so crucial to understand their biology and behavior.
In conclusion, season one, episode five of Inside Nature's Giants, delves into the mysteries of the giant squid. The examination of this majestic animal leads to incredible discoveries and insights into the nature of life in the deep ocean. From its remarkable eyesight to the complex role it plays within the ecosystem makes this a fascinating, informative, and unique episode of the show. If you've ever been curious about this elusive and wondrous sea creature, you can't miss watching this episode of Inside Nature's Giants.
