Ep 3. Island

In the third episode of Tiny World season 1, viewers are taken on a journey to explore the magnificent islands of the world and the tiny creatures that inhabit them. From the towering cliffs of Hawaii to the rocky coasts of Scotland, we see how these diminutive animals have adapted to their unique environments and the challenges they face.

The episode begins in Hawaii, where we meet the hordes of red crabs that inhabit the island's cliffs. These crustaceans are expert climbers, able to scale the sheer rock faces and navigate the treacherous terrain with ease. They band together in massive groups, their bright red shells standing out against the black volcanic rocks. We witness their impressive migration, as they descend from the cliffs to the ocean below to mate and lay their eggs.

Moving on to Scotland's remote Isle of May, we meet the world's smallest bird - the little pintail. This tiny wader stands only a few inches tall and weighs less than a golf ball. It relies on its sleek, streamlined body to outrun predators and forage for food in the narrow crevices of the island's rocky coastline. We get an intimate look at these birds as they search for insects and crustaceans, constantly on alert for attacks from larger birds such as gulls and eagles.

Next, we journey to the Caribbean island of Tobago, where we meet a unique species of spider - the vegetarian spider. Unlike the majority of spiders that prey on insects, this spider has adapted to a vegetarian lifestyle. It feeds on the nectar of flowers and pollen, which it gathers using its specially adapted mouthparts. We observe these spiders as they build their delicate webs, which they use to trap pollen-rich insects such as bees and butterflies.

Heading back to Europe, we land on the rugged coast of Norway, where we encounter a perplexing creature - the sea butterfly. This tiny mollusk is a master of disguise, using its conical shell to blend seamlessly into the rocky shoreline. We follow its perilous journey as it dodges waves and predators, leaving a trail of slime in its wake. We also witness its unusual mating ritual, where the male sea butterfly grows a specialized penis-like appendage to fertilize the female.

Finally, we journey to the Galapagos Islands, the birthplace of evolutionary theory. Here we meet the elusive marine iguana, which is the only lizard in the world that feeds exclusively on seaweed. We watch as these fearless creatures brave the crashing waves to dive down to the ocean floor, where they use their sharp teeth and powerful jaws to tear off chunks of seaweed. We also see their unique adaptation of expelling excess salt through their nostrils, which has evolved to cope with their marine lifestyle.

Throughout the episode, we are treated to stunning visuals of some of the world's most beautiful and remote islands. From the towering cliffs of Hawaii to the rugged shores of Scotland, we see how these tiny creatures have adapted to their unique environments and the challenges they face. We also gain insight into the importance of these small creatures to the larger ecosystem and the vital role they play in maintaining balance in the natural world.