Weirdest Animal Relationships | Top 5 | BBC Earth

Summary

This fascinating video explores the unique and intricate relationships between various species in nature. From the large blue butterfly's reliance on ants for survival, to sunfish seeking cleaning services from smaller fish, the narrative highlights how animals engage in surprising symbiotic behaviors. It also showcases how creatures like marine iguanas, sea lions, and lava lizards have adapted to their environments, forming mutualistic partnerships. Whether it's ants raising butterfly caterpillars or fish finding shelter in sea cucumbers, the video underscores the interconnectedness and resourcefulness of life in the natural world.

Takeaways

• 😀 The large blue butterfly, once extinct in Britain, relies on a unique relationship with ants for survival. Its caterpillars are adopted by ants and live inside their nests, preying on ant larvae.
• 😀 Without sheep to graze and keep the grass short, the ants would move away, leading to the loss of the large blue butterfly's habitat and survival.
• 😀 Wild animals, such as turkeys and squirrels, exhibit curious and playful behaviors that highlight their experiences of joy.
• 😀 The bond between humans and animals can be profound, with animals sometimes teaching humans valuable life lessons.
• 😀 Sunfish, the world's largest bony fish, grow rapidly and depend on cleaner fish to remove parasites from their skin. This behavior was recently observed in deep waters in the Galapagos.
• 😀 Sunfish exhibit a peaceful attitude when being cleaned by cleaner fish, signaling their readiness for a 'spa treatment' and emphasizing the interconnectedness of species.
• 😀 Marine iguanas in the Galapagos sneeze out excess salt they ingest while feeding, aided by special glands in their bodies.
• 😀 Sally lightfoot crabs groom marine iguanas for algae, parasites, and dead skin, forming a mutually beneficial relationship.
• 😀 Lava lizards, smaller relatives of marine iguanas, have adapted to the harsh shoreline environment and even help sea lions by removing flies, benefiting both species.
• 😀 Pearl fish seek shelter inside sea cucumbers to avoid predators. They are not harmful to their hosts but may share their hiding place with other creatures.

Q & A

Why did the large blue butterfly almost become extinct in Britain?

The large blue butterfly almost became extinct in Britain because its survival is closely tied to the presence of meadow ants, which are vital for its young caterpillars. The caterpillars mimic the ants' larvae and are taken to the ants' nests, where they feed on the ants' own larvae. However, without farm animals like sheep to keep the grass short, the ants move out, threatening the butterfly's existence.

What is the unusual relationship between large blue caterpillars and ants?

Large blue caterpillars have an unusual relationship with ants, as they mimic the sound and smell of ant larvae. This causes the ants to mistake the caterpillars for their own young and take them back to the nest. Once inside, the caterpillars prey on the ants' larvae before emerging as butterflies.

How do farm animals like sheep contribute to the survival of the large blue butterfly?

Farm animals, particularly sheep, help maintain short grass in meadows, which is crucial for the survival of the meadow ants. Without these ants, the large blue butterfly cannot survive, as the ants are essential for the caterpillars' early development.

What is the significance of the sunfish sighted by the research team?

The sunfish sighted by the research team was significant because it was observed at a depth previously unrecorded for this species. The team also noted its behavior of seeking cleaning from cleaner fish, a symbiotic relationship that was seen at such depths for the first time.

Why is the cleaning behavior of the sunfish important?

The cleaning behavior of the sunfish is important because sunfish are often infested with parasites. Cleaner fish remove these parasites, which helps the sunfish maintain its health. This mutualistic relationship is crucial for the sunfish's well-being.

How do marine iguanas manage excess salt in their bodies?

Marine iguanas manage excess salt by sneezing it out. Their diet consists of algae, which can be salty, and they have specialized adaptations to expel the excess salt.

What unique relationship exists between lava lizards and sea lions?

Lava lizards have a unique relationship with sea lions in that they help rid the sea lions of flies, which can be a nuisance. In return, the sea lions provide hiding places for the lizards, creating a mutually beneficial arrangement.

What is the role of the pearl fish in relation to sea cucumbers?

The pearl fish seeks shelter inside sea cucumbers, particularly their rear ends, where it hides from predators. While it doesn't harm the sea cucumber, the pearl fish shares this temporary home with other creatures, demonstrating a form of commensalism.

Why do pearl fish prefer the rear end of sea cucumbers?

Pearl fish prefer the rear end of sea cucumbers because it emits an odor that attracts the fish. The rear end of the sea cucumber is a safe hiding place, as sea cucumbers are not typically targeted by predators.

What is the primary diet of sunfish, and how does it relate to their deep-water behavior?

Sunfish primarily feed on jellyfish, which are found in the upper levels of the ocean. However, their deep-water behavior suggests they may be venturing to these depths in search of something else, such as cleaner fish that help remove parasites.