Plot: The documentary reviews some of the least homely animals in existence. While some animals, such as sea otters, enjoy human adoration, others seem positively hideous. Yet, the "ugly" aspects often provide the best means to survive in harsh habitats. For example, the bizarre "fingers" on a star-nosed mole's snout allow it to detect the slightest movements in its tunnels. The enormous drooping nose of male elephant seals allow it to intimidate rivals. Even the naked head of a vulture has purpose. Since the bird lacks feathers on its head, the likelihood of infection from its carrion diet is greatly reduced. Not all animals appear attractively, but sometimes the ugliest aspects of a creature permit its survival.
Genre: Documentary
Reading Level: Not rated
Similar Titles: Life, Earth
Personal Thoughts: Nature generally produces solid documentaries. This one is no exception. The show displays familiar and non-familiar animals in an introductory manner without becoming condescending. While everyone tends to find some animals attractive and others less so, realizing the purpose of unusual appearances remains vital for biologists (and biology students). As a side note, while I have seen photographs of star-nosed moles before, I had no idea they are so small. I expected them to be the size of a traditional mole or perhaps a ground squirrel, but the one in this video is roughly the size of a hamster. Since it is so small, it almost looks cute...until the camera zooms in on the weird nose.
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