Life in the Undergrowth
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220445066
2008-06-19T22:06:57Z
Lucien leGrey
5638227
iw
{{Infobox nature documentary
| bgcolour =
| show_name = Life in the Undergrowth
| image = [[Image:Att litu.jpg]]
| caption = ''Life in the Undergrowth'' DVD cover
| picture_format = 16:9
| audio_format = Stereo
| runtime = 50 minutes
| creator =
| developer =
| producer =
| executive_producer = Mike Gunton
| presented = [[David Attenborough]]
| narrated =
| music = Ben Salisbury
David Poore
| country = [[United Kingdom]]
| language = [[English language|English]]
| network =
| first_run = [[BBC One]]
| first_aired = 23 November
| last_aired = 21 December 2005
| num_episodes = 5
| website = http://www.bbc.co.uk/sn/tvradio/programmes/lifeintheundergrowth//
| imdb_id = 0760222
| tv_com_id =
}}
'''''Life in the Undergrowth''''' is a [[BBC]] [[nature documentary]] series written and presented by [[David Attenborough]], first transmitted in the [[United Kingdom|UK]] from [[23 November]] [[2005]].
A study of the evolution and habits of [[invertebrate]]s, it was the fifth of Attenborough's specialised surveys following his major trilogy that began with ''[[Life on Earth (TV series)|Life on Earth]]''. Each of the five 50-minute episodes looks at a group (or aspect) of the creatures using innovative photographic techniques.
The series was produced in conjunction with [[Animal Planet]]. The executive producer was Mike Gunton and the music was composed by Ben Salisbury and David Poore.
Within David Attenborough's 'Life' series, it was preceded by ''[[The Life of Mammals]]'' ([[2002]]), and is followed by ''[[Life in Cold Blood]]'' ([[2008]]). Before the latter, Attenborough narrated ''[[Planet Earth (TV series)|Planet Earth]]'' ([[2006]]). In May–June 2006, he also presented a two-part documentary on [[global warming]]: the programmes were entitled ''[[Are We Changing Planet Earth?]]'' and ''Can We Save Planet Earth?''.
== Background ==
Invertebrates had been largely ignored by filmmakers in the past, due to the difficulties in filming them, but advances in [[Lens (optics)|lens]] and [[camera]] [[technology]] gave the makers an opportunity to film the creatures at their level. The series features a balance of everyday [[Europe]]an invertebrates such as the [[wolf spider]] and [[housefly]] and more exotic varieties such as the [[redback spider]] of [[Australia]] and venomous centipedes of the [[Amazon Rainforest|Amazon]]. This was the first time that such animals had been photographed at such a high level of detail for television (some sequences were filmed in [[High-definition television|high definition format]]), and provided not only casual viewers but also scientists with a new understanding of certain [[species]]' behaviour.
Production of the series took around two years, during which time filming took place around the world, from the Amazonian rainforest to [[Costa Rica]], [[Australia]], [[Malaysia]], [[Hungary]], [[Switzerland]] and many more locations, including the [[United Kingdom]].
To follow and understand the various species looked at throughout the series, the production team consulted with some of the foremost experts on invertebrate life. In certain instances, their help proved invaluable, particularly when coming across particularly dangerous species or societies. In other instances, the specialists helped to provide some of their most recent discoveries, enabling the makers to showcase in rich detail the complex processes through which invertebrates may interact with their [[Ecosystem|environment]], as well as the regular processes of all animals in the wild, such as their [[mating]] rituals and hunt for food. Many of the creatures' interactions were not only filmed for the first time, but were also recorded with such extraordinary magnification that scientists who studied them were able to answer specific questions that observance with the naked eye had hitherto rendered impossible.
As always, time and money constraints played a huge part. The filming schedules had to be arranged to fit in with expected dates of major [[Phenomenon|events]] that were planned to be included, such as the emergence of the North American [[cicadas]] or the mass emergence of [[mayfly]] in Hungary. As is usual in the preparation of a nature documentary, not everything went to plan, due to the unpredictable nature of the subject matter.
Although filming took place over several years, time constraints still meant that some scenes almost weren't filmed, and a few never materialised at all. For instance, the simultaneous mass emergence of the mayfly in Hungary did not occur until the deadline day for its filming, as David Attenborough had to be in Switzerland the very next day to film the mating of wood ants. Using expert advice, the team had come to film at the time of the annual emergence, but the problem of the unusually wet spring had delayed the event. Luckily, on the very last day conditions were perfect, and the mayfly emerged — apparently in one of the more impressive manifestations of recent times. Because of these kinds of occurrences being largely dependent on environmental factors such as [[temperature]] or [[moisture]], it was nearly impossible to tell exactly when they would happen. Instead the producers had to rely on expert estimates, but even these could be completely unpredictable. So although the mayfly appearance was captured, others were missed, such as the advent of a type of [[moth]] in [[Arizona]] (despite the camera crew camping out in the area twice, two weeks at a time).
Sometimes subjects were so small that it would have been impossible to film them in the wild. Instead, the construction of a complete habitat in a studio allowed easy pursuit of their actions, allowing the camera to capture them throughout their day. This technique was used on the wolf spider, for example, which provided some 200 hours of film — notably including its courting ritual. Despite the arm span of the grown spider being no more than 1cm, even the newborn arachnids are shown in tight close-up as they climb on to their mother's back.
Filming also involved entering rough environments. To film the [[Scolopendra gigantea|giant centipede]], a team had to endure a dark cave whose floor was covered with [[guano]], [[beetles]] and [[cockroach]]es.
== Episodes ==
{{quotation|"An eye from another world; a smell-detector, investigating the path ahead. We don't often see a snail that way, and that's because we've only recently had the tiny lenses and electronic cameras that we need to explore this miniature world. But when we meet its inhabitants face to face, we suddenly realise that their behaviour can be just as meaningful to us as the behaviour of many animals more our own size."| David Attenborough's opening narration}}
=== 1. "Invasion of the Land" ===
Broadcast 23 November 2005, the first episode tells how invertebrates became the first creatures of any kind to colonise dry land. Their forerunners were shelled and segmented sea creatures that existed 400 million years ago. Some of them ventured out of the water to lay their eggs in safety, and Attenborough compares those first steps with today's mass spawning of [[horseshoe crab]]s off the [[Atlantic Ocean|Atlantic coast]] of [[North America]]. The oceans were abandoned altogether when the land became green with [[algae]], [[moss]]es and [[marchantiophyta|liverwort]]s. The earliest ground-dwellers were [[millipede]]s, which were quickly followed by other species. [[Springtail]]s are shown to be smaller than the head of a pin and, for their size, can jump immense heights. The [[velvet worm]] hunts nocturnally and has scarcely changed over millennia, while the giant centipede can kill instantly and is shown hunting bats in [[Venezuela]]. Mating habits are explored, including the unusual ritual of [[Great Grey Slug|leopard slug]]s and the meticulous nest maintenance of the [[opiliones|harvestman]]. The arrival of [[earthworm]]s was of great importance since they changed the nature of the soil, leading to a proliferation of [[plant]] life. Despite their aquatic ancestry, many invertebrates, particularly with those with no [[exoskeleton]], need a moist environment to keep themselves from drying out. Finally, a creature that has adapted to a [[desert]] habitat, the [[scorpion]], is shown as it pursues its dangerous courting dance, followed by the birth of up to fifty individuals.
=== 2. "Taking to the Air" ===
Broadcast [[30 November]] 2005, the next programme deals with flying insects. It begins in [[Central Europe]], where the [[Körös River]] plays host to millions of giant mayflies as they rise from their [[larva]]l skins to mate. — the climax of their lives. Mayflies and [[dragonfly|dragonflies]] were among the first to take to the air about 320 million years ago, and [[fossil]]s reveal that some were similar in size to a [[gull|seagull]]. [[Damselfly|Damselflies]] are also looked at in detail. One species, the rare cascade damsel, inhabits [[waterfall]]s, while another, the helicopter damsel, lives away from water (unlike all the others in its group) and is also the biggest. Several types of [[butterfly]] are shown, but all have common habits, and Attenborough describes their physiology. Together with moths, they possess the largest wings, and this surface area gives ample opportunity to display for partners or warn off predators. In cold weather, [[bumblebee]]s must warm themselves to prepare for flight: they 'disable' their wings, enabling them to exercise their muscles without taking off. The vestigial rear wings of [[fly|flies]] and [[crane fly|crane flies]] are used for navigation, and arguably the most accomplished insect aviator is the [[hoverfly]], which makes continuous adjustments while in the air to remain stationary. [[Beetle]]s that are capable of flight have to keep their wings below covers, and a specimen of the largest, the [[titan beetle]], is shown. Attenborough attempts to entice a male cicada, only to have it land on his ear (causing laughter from the camera team).
=== 3. "The Silk Spinners" ===
Broadcast [[7 December]] 2005, the third instalment examines the [[spider]]s and others that produce [[spider silk|silk]]. Attenborough visits a cave in [[New Zealand]] that is inhabited by [[fungus gnat]]s, whose illuminated larvae sit atop glistening, beaded filaments to lure their prey. The ability to spin silk developed early in the invertebrates' history, being first used as an adhesive. The female [[lacewing]] still applies it in this way, to suspend its eggs from plant stems. Spiders first employed it as a sensitive trip line to detect movement, and Attenborough illustrates this by encouraging a [[trapdoor spider]]. The speed with which it appears causes the presenter to jump in surprise. The [[spider web|webs]] spun by [[orb-weaver spider|orb-weavers]] are complex and can comprise up to 60 metres of silk and 3,000 separate attachments. A [[time-lapse]] sequence reveals their intricate construction. The largest are made by [[golden silk orb-weaver|nephila]] and can be several metres across. The venomous [[redback spider|redback]] spins three-dimensionally, and fixes vertical lines that suspend its unlucky meals in mid-air. Meanwhile, the [[bolas spiders|bolas spider]] swings a length of silk with a sticky blob on the end, with which to snare passing moths. [[Argiope (spider)|Argiope]] exemplifies the dangers of mating that are faced by some male spiders: unless they are careful, they can be consumed by the females. The courtship of the wolf spider, though less risky, is one of the more elaborate. Its nesting habits are discussed, along with the eventual birth of its young, which cling to their mother's back.
=== 4. "Intimate Relations" ===
Broadcast [[14 December]] 2005, the penultimate episode focuses on the relationships between invertebrates and plants or other animals. It begins with [[ant]]s and [[aphid]]s: the former 'herd' the latter and protect them in return for secreted [[honeydew (secretion)|honeydew]]. The activities of [[gall-inducing insect]]s are described, using the example of the [[oak]] tree. Many plants recruit insects to aid [[pollination]], offering [[nectar]] for doing so, and some predators have adopted [[camouflage]] to take advantage of this, such as the [[crab spider]]. [[Phasmatodea|Stick insects]] rely on ants to hide their eggs underground for them in safety. In the [[California]]n desert, the [[blister beetle]]'s larvae congregate on a stem and, by releasing a [[pheromone]], attract a male [[digger bee]] on the lookout for a female. They climb aboard their visitor and eventually transfer to its mate, which will in turn unwittingly deposit them in its nest — providing sustenance. An [[Leucauge venusta|orchard spider]] is shown enduring a [[parasitism|parasitic]] [[wasp]] grub, which injects its host with a [[hormone]] that deranges it and halts the spinning of webs. The grub then sucks the liquid from the spider's body and uses the remaining silk to form its cocoon. Fairy wasps are so small that they can lay their eggs inside those of [[water beetle]]s — and can even mate while inside them. The [[tiger beetle]] larva ambushes ants by plugging its burrow with its head and pouncing. However, this doesn't work with methoca, an ant-like wasp, which can overcome the beetle and inject it with [[poison]].
=== 5. "Supersocieties" ===
Broadcast [[21 December]] 2005, the final programme looks at the [[superorganism]]s formed by bees, ants and [[termite]]s. Attenborough reveals that their colonies, whose individuals were once considered purely servile, are "full of conflict, power struggles and mutinies." They evolved when such creatures moved away from a solitary existence and started building nests side-by-side, which led to a collective approach to caring for their young. There are about 20,000 species of bee, and a queen bumblebee is shown starting a new nest. As it grows, the inhabitants all help to maintain it and bring nectar and [[pollen]]. However, anarchy erupts when the queen starts to destroy eggs laid by her workers: she is stung to death and the colony ends. Ants live in bigger societies, which can make them vulnerable, but Attenborough goads a nest of wood ants into demonstrating their defence: [[formic acid]]. In [[Australia]], a nest in a [[mangrove]] swamp has to be continuously rearranged to escape the [[tide]]s. Meanwhile, desert-dwelling [[Red harvester ant|harvester ant]]s block up nearby nests in an effort to maximise their food pickings. A [[bivouac (ants)|bivouac]] of [[army ant]]s is explored: they prove to be one of those most regimented organisms, where the action of each individual is for the good of the million-strong colony. Attenborough investigates magnetic termites, whose slab-like mounds are all aligned to account for the movement of the [[sun]]. Finally, a full-scale battle between termites and matabele ants is depicted in close-up.
{{quotation|"If we and the rest of the backboned animals were to disappear overnight, the rest of the world would get on pretty well. But if they were to disappear, the land's ecosystems would collapse. The soil would lose its fertility. Many of the plants would no longer be pollinated. Lots of animals, amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals would have nothing to eat. And our fields and pastures would be covered with dung and carrion. These small creatures are within a few inches of our feet, wherever we go on land — but often, they're disregarded. We would do very well to remember them."| David Attenborough, in closing}}
== DVD and book ==
The series is available in the UK for Regions 2 and 4 as a 2-disc DVD (BBCDVD1737, released [[5 December]] 2005) and as part of ''[[The Life Collection]]''. Its special features comprise an interview with the series producer, Mike Salisbury, and the original score.
The accompanying 320-page book, ''Life in the Undergrowth'' by David Attenborough (ISBN 0-563-52208-9), was published by [[BBC Books]] on [[10 October]] 2005.
== External links ==
* [http://www.bbc.co.uk/sn/tvradio/programmes/lifeintheundergrowth/ BBC ''Life in the Undergrowth'' homepage]
== References ==
<references/>
{{David Attenborough Television Series}}
[[Category:BBC television documentaries]]
[[Category:Nature documentaries]]
[[es:Life in the Undergrowth]]