The Life of Mammals Season 1 Episode 7 Return to the Water

The Life of Mammals season 1 episode 7, titled "Return to the Water," explores the fascinating world of mammals that have adapted to life in aquatic environments. Hosted by renowned naturalist Sir David Attenborough, the episode takes viewers on a journey around the globe to meet some of the incredible creatures that have evolved unique adaptations to survive and thrive in water.

The episode begins with a look at one of the most famous aquatic mammals, the dolphin. Viewers are treated to breathtaking footage of these intelligent creatures as they swim and play in the ocean, jumping and flipping in the air and communicating with each other using a complex system of clicks and whistles. Sir David explains how dolphins are perfectly adapted to life in the water, with streamlined bodies, powerful flippers, and a layer of blubber to keep them warm in cold ocean currents.

Next, the episode turns its attention to one of the weirdest and most fascinating mammals on the planet - the platypus. Found only in eastern Australia, the platypus is a semi-aquatic animal that spends most of its time in the water, using its waterproof fur and webbed feet to swim and hunt for prey. Sir David describes the platypus as a "living fossil," as it is one of the few mammals that still lays eggs instead of giving birth to live young. The episode features incredible footage of a female platypus burrowing into a riverbank to lay her eggs, then returning to nurse her young in a cozy nest of twigs and leaves.

Moving on to the world of marine mammals, the episode highlights the incredible diversity of animals that have adapted to living in the ocean. Viewers meet the massive humpback whale, as well as smaller creatures like the sea otter and the common dolphin. Sir David explains how each of these creatures has evolved unique adaptations to survive in its particular environment, from the powerful flukes of the humpback whale to the thick fur of the sea otter that keeps it warm in frigid waters.

The episode also explores the fascinating world of marine mammals that walk on water - specifically, the polar bear and the marine iguana. Both of these creatures have developed amazing abilities to hunt for food in the ocean while staying close to their home on land. Viewers see polar bears swimming long distances to find floating ice packs where they can hunt for seals, and marine iguanas diving to search for seaweed and other plant life to eat. Sir David explains how both creatures must contend with the challenges of living in two very different environments, and how their unique adaptations have helped them thrive.

Throughout the episode, Sir David's narration is informative and engaging, drawing on his decades of experience studying and filming wildlife around the world. He shares fascinating facts and anecdotes about each creature featured in the episode, and his passion for the subject matter is evident in every scene.

Overall, "Return to the Water" is an inspiring and informative look at the amazing world of aquatic mammals. Viewers of all ages will be captivated by the incredible footage and the fascinating stories behind each creature's evolution and adaptation to life in water. It's a must-watch for anyone with an interest in wildlife and the natural world.