The Secrets of our Living Planet
A View by Chris Packam
10 million species live on planet Earth. Each one is remarkable, but none that can survive on its own. All life depends upon connections. Unexpected, invariably complex, beautiful relationships between millions of plants and animals.
Starting in our jungles. Wow! It's a different world. Why do jungles have more animals and plants than anywhere else? And why can't this mighty brazil nut trees survive without an orchid and a nimble little rodent?
Connections like these form the planets great ecosystems. They are vital for all life. I want to show you our world as you've never seen it before.
Stretched out around me is the most complex ecosystem on our planet, home to millions of different species. And whilst there is a wonder in the detail of the individual lives, nothing competes with the sheer beauty of the bigger picture. The dynamic, functional, living, breathing rainforest.
For me, science is the art of understanding truth and beauty. Well, here's the beauty. And we've seen just a little of its truth.