Episodes 13

1 Forest in the Sea

October 9, 1983

53m

The vast areas of kelp growing on the bottom of the Pacific Ocean provide a vital food source for countless creatures.

2 Fungi: The Rotten World About Us

October 16, 1983

53m

As an agent of decay, fungi performs a function essential to life on earth.

3 Acacia: Tree of Thorns

October 23, 1983

53m

A great variety of wildlife species live in and around the thorny acacia trees on the African plains.

4 On the Tracks of the Wild Otter

November 6, 1983

53m

Wildlife photographer Hugh Miles finds an opportunity to film a female otter on one of the remote Shetland islands.

5 Secret Weapons

November 13, 1983

53m

Insects such as the beetle, firefly and moth make use of their natural chemicals as weapons against their enemies.

6 Voices in the Forest

December 18, 1983

53m

The time-honored and ritualistic relationship of the highland peoples of Papua, New Guinea, to the birds of paradise is examined.

7 Osprey

February 5, 1984

53m

A look at this large bird’s life cycle, from hatching in the Scottish highlands through migration to Africa and its annual return to Scotland.

8 Big Business in Bees

February 12, 1984

53m

Examined is the giant industry of bee cultivation in the U.S. and its relation to the billions of dollars annually at stake in the alfalfa crop.

9 Jet Set Wildlife

February 19, 1984

53m

An examination of the effects of alien plants and animals on Florida’s resident wildlife, agriculture, commerce and health.

10 The Masterbuilders

February 26, 1984

53m

An examination of the nest-building habits of birds in various parts of the world.

11 Plight of the Bumblebee

March 4, 1984

53m

The life cycle of the bumblebee is compared to that of humans in order to explain the “energy crisis” confronting the insects.

12 The Missing Monsoon

March 11, 1984

53m

The will of wildlife to survive is documented by photographers Stanley Breedon and Belinda Wright at the Keola Deo National Park in India during one of the droughts that occurs every 20 to 30 years when the monsoons do not come.

13 Resurrection at Truk Lagoon

March 25, 1984

53m

An exploration of the sunken Japanese war machinery destroyed by the Allies during World War II in the South Pacific, which provides an environment for underwater plant and animal life.

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