Synopsis

A natural history of the oceans. A look at the survival techniques of creatures that endure the harsh conditions of the Arctic and Antarctic.

Further Information

More clips from The Blue Planet

2: The Deep | The Blue Planet

BBC One | 2001 | 48'52''

David Attenborough narrates a natural history of the oceans to uncover the strange, otherworldly creatures living in the depths of the ocean.

3: Open Ocean | The Blue Planet

BBC One | 2001 | 57'39''

David Attenborough narrates a natural history of the oceans. The deadly game of hide-and-seek played by the sea's charismatic hunters - whale...

5: Seasonal Seas | The Blue Planet

BBC One | 2001 | 57'47''

David Attenborough narrates a natural history of the oceans, exploring the richest waters on Earth, where the annual cycle of the sun driv...

6: Coral Seas | The Blue Planet

BBC One | 2001 | 58'03''

David Attenborough narrates a natural history of the oceans. Developed over centuries, coral reefs house fragile ecosystems, but they too hav...

7: Tidal Seas | The Blue Planet

BBC One | 2001 | 58'09''

David Attenborough narrates a natural history of the oceans. As snails surf the waves in pursuit of a meal, how do the tides create opportuni...

8: Coasts | The Blue Planet

BBC One | 2001 | 57'15''

David Attenborough narrates a natural history of the oceans, examining how animals from in and around the sea use the constantly changing coastal...

Bait ball attack | The Blue Planet

BBC Two | 2017 | 1'40''

Swimming at speed, a school of anchoveta near the surface detect the vibrations of approaching predators. They close into a tight ball as ...

Dumbo octopus | The Blue Planet

BBC One | 2007 | 48''

The amazing 'dumbo' octopus has flaps of skin between its tentacles and large, flapping 'ears,' allowing it to hover effortlessly above the s...

Galapagos lizards | The Blue Planet

BBC One | 2011 | 3'59''

The marine iguanas of the Galapagos are the world's only sea going lizards.

Let's Twist Again | The Blue Planet

BBC Two | 2017 | 1'53''

A super pod of spinner dolphins gather together as feeding has been good in the area.

Light Lures | The Blue Planet

BBC One | 2007 | 2'08''

A deep sea angler fish flashes in the darkness to attract prey.

Mangrove predators | The Blue Planet

BBC News | 2001 | 2'24''

When unusually high spring tides flood the mangrove swamps, it allows the larger predators access to these hard to reach places. Mangrov...

Marine predators and scavengers | The Blue Planet

BBC Two | 2017 | 10'13''

The scavengers of the deep ocean rely on predators at the surface to provide their nutrition.

Marine predators team up | The Blue Planet

BBC Two | 2017 | 6'03''

A variety of marine predators team up to capitalise on a large group of migrating sardines.

Partner for life | The Blue Planet

BBC One | 2007 | 1'03''

Male and female angler fish have a brilliant mutual solution to the problem of finding a mate in the vast emptiness of the deep sea.

Searching for seals | The Blue Planet

BBC One | 2007 | 3'36''

A Polar Bear and her cub go on the hunt.

Shark oasis | The Blue Planet

BBC Two | 2017 | 4'10''

David Attenborough explore the role of changeable deep ocean currents in creating an oasis for a variety of marine life.

Sticky starfish | The Blue Planet

BBC One | 2001 | 1'16''

The problem with starfish is that they have minds of their own and five large sticky arms. By the time the shrimps have prised off one arm,...

Synchronised turtle arribada | The Blue Planet

BBC Two | 2017 | 5'06''

The lunar cycle dictates the time and date of mass nesting by ridleys turtles in Costa Rica.

The Blue Planet

BBC One | 2001 | 54'06''

David Attenborough narrates a natural history of the oceans. We travel to the depths of the seas to reveal a spectacular variety of life, some never filmed b...

More from Sir David Attenborough

8: Heroes | Planet Earth III

BBC One | 2023 | 58'04''

Sir David Attenborough introduces conservation heroes fighting to save the world's wildlife, from exploring remote jungles to going undercover t...

The mystery of the whale shark nursery | Blue Planet II

BBC One | 2017 | 3'08''

Nutrients from the deep provide sustenance for a large gathering of sea life.

Ant pharmacists | Natural World

BBC Two | 2017 | 1'47''

Wood ants have a remarkable solution for avoiding disease.

3: Jungles | Planet Earth II

BBC One | 2016 | 58'00'''

Jungles provide the richest habitats on the planet - mysterious worlds of high drama where extraordinary animals attempt to survive in the most ...

Lizard Heaters | Life in Cold Blood

BBC Two | 2014 | 3'53''

Wall lizards take advantage of foul-smelling dead-horse arums.

How Many People Can Live on Planet Earth? | Horizon

BBC Two | 2009 | 58'22''

Naturalist Sir David Attenborough investigates whether the world faces a population crisis and if it is the duty of indiv...

7: Great Plains | Planet Earth

BBC One | 2006 | 58'56''

Documentary series which celebrates Earth in its natural glory. A look at the great plains - wildernesses which support the greatest gathering...

Weighty wanderers | Life in the Freezer

BBC Two | 1993 | 3'04''

With a wingspan of over 3m, the wandering albatross has the biggest feeding range of any bird. Throughout the winter they remain in n...

Our Precious Isles | Wild Isles

BBC One | 2023 | 57'14''

David Attenborough celebrates the rich variety of habitats in our wild isles, the existence of which is critical for the survival of species ...

3: Seasonal Worlds | The Green Planet

BBC One | 2022 | 58'22''

Plants of the seasonal world face constant change. They use use strategy, deception and feats of engineering to survive. Most important...

David Attenborough | The Queen's Platinum Jubilee

BBC One | 2022 | 1'32''

David Attenborough speaks about the environment. Also, includes footage of the drones that turn into animals.

Greta meets David Attenborough | Greta Thunberg: A Year to Change the World

BBC One | 2021 | 3'39''

Greta Thunberg and David Attenborough discuss their hopes for the future of the planet.

COP26 delegates and climate scientists | Climate Change: The Facts

BBC One | 2021 | 3'06''

COP26 delegates and climate scientist Hannah Cloke discuss their hopes for the COP26 conference.

Poison dart frogs battle it out | Attenborough's Life in Colour

BBC One | 2021 | 1'15''

A poison dart frog fights off a contender until he's sufficiently warned off.

The People v Climate Change

BBC Two | 2021 | 1'03'06''

Meet the 108 ordinary Brits who Sir David Attenborough says we should listen to. This warm and honest documentary reveals how everyday people fee...

Mate or die trying | Seven Worlds, One Planet

BBC One | 2021 | 2'46''

A male Jotus spider waves it paddle-like limbs to attract a mate.

Self-sacrificing fish | Life

BBC Two | 2021 | 3'32''

Flying fish can leave the water and soar great distances on their elongated fins to escape from predators below the waves. But finding a place t...

Biodiversity loss | Extinction: The Facts

BBC One | 2020 | 4'12''

An exploration of the devastating impacts of the loss of insect and plant biodiversity.

Buffalo to the rescue | Dynasties

BBC One | 2018 | 1'33''

A painted wolf pack is attacked by lions seeking out the pups to kill. But an angry buffalo comes charging in and distracts the lions.

Marine predators team up | The Blue Planet

BBC Two | 2017 | 6'03''

A variety of marine predators team up to capitalise on a large group of migrating sardines.

4: Frozen Seas | The Blue Planet

Synopsis

More clips from The Blue Planet

More resources about Living Things and Their Habitats

More from Sir David Attenborough

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