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Desert Worlds

Episode 4 of 5

Desert plants spend decades in suspended animation waiting for rain, or they travel to find it. They survive using weapons, camouflage and surprising alliances with animals.

Deserts are hostile - temperatures soar and water is rare. Yet plants find extraordinary ways to survive. They may grow imperceptibly slowly or travel the landscape looking for water. Others wait decades in suspended animation for rain to power an explosion of colour across the dunes.

Desert plants protect their water stores from animals and from each other, using vicious spines, camouflage or by forging alliances with animals. Plants have invaded the most dangerous deserts on Earth, overcoming salt, fire and toxic bird droppings to bring life and colour to these harsh landscapes.

Available now

58 minutes

Signed Audio described

Last on

Sun 9 Jun 2024 16:35

Music Played

Timings (where shown) are from the start of the programme in hours and minutes

  • 00:58

    Alida

    Some of Us

Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter David Attenborough
Executive Producer Michael Gunton
Series Producer Rupert Barrington
Producer Paul Williams
Production Manager Melanie Hoffman

Broadcasts

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