Ep 5. Survival

In One Strange Rock season 1 episode 5 titled Survival, viewers are taken on a journey to explore how life on Earth has been shaped and impacted by the constant evolution of the planet's environment. The episode is narrated by Hollywood actor, Will Smith, who helps to unveil some of the mechanisms that have enabled life to sustain on earth for billions of years.

The episode begins with an in-depth explanation of the Earth's magnetic field and how it protects the planet from energetic particles that can strip away the atmosphere and make it impossible for life to survive. Smith then leads viewers on a journey to various parts of the globe to see how life has adapted to some of the harshest conditions on the planet.

Throughout the episode, viewers witness one of the most remarkable displays of natural selection as they are shown how species like the Galapagos giant tortoise have survived on the islands for millions of years, despite periods of drought and hunger. Cameras follow as researchers carefully monitor and record the migration patterns of whales and buffalo as they move from one part of the earth to another in search of food and water.

Viewers also get to witness a first-hand account of how the reign of dinosaurs was brought to a sudden end, paving the way for the rise of mammals and the eventual emergence of humans. Smith explains how a meteorite impact caused catastrophic environmental changes that forced dinosaurs to adapt or perish. Those that were not able to adapt died out, making way for other species to evolve and thrive.

In addition to the impact of meteorites, viewers are also shown how other relatively minor events have had a major impact on the evolution of life on Earth. For example, they are shown how the eruption of the Indonesian volcano, Mt. Toba, led to a millennium-long winter that nearly wiped out humans in the region. Incredibly, despite these setbacks, the human race was able to recover and thrive, going on to populate every corner of the Earth.

Following on from this, the episode puts a spotlight on just how important water and oxygen are to life on this planet. Viewers are shown how these elements have combined over the years to create some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes on earth, such as the Great Barrier Reef and the Amazon rainforest. As the documentary progresses, it becomes clear just how dependent life on earth is on the constant ebb and flow of our planet's environment.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to some visually stunning footage that brings to life the incredibly harsh and beautiful environments that the Earth has to offer. Whether it's watching the annual migration of antelopes across the savannas of Africa or witnessing the evidence of early human migration across the globe, it is impossible not to be drawn into the story of survival and adaptation.

Overall, One Strange Rock season 1 episode 5 is a thought-provoking and visually stunning episode that takes viewers on a journey to explore some of the mechanisms that have driven the evolution of life on earth. From meteorite impacts to mass extinctions, the importance of adaptation and evolution is clear to see. However, the episode also highlights just how fragile our planet can be, and the importance of protecting the environments that enable life to survive and thrive.