The narrative discusses various survival strategies and adaptations among different species. It starts by introducing the Barbary lion, the largest lion species, and theorizes that human activities are among the factors contributing to its extinction. The narrative then moves on to discuss how baboons steal lion cubs to reduce the lion population, which in turn forces the lions to eat the baboons.
The narrative also explores the lives of underwater creatures, such as octopuses and fishermen like spiders and birds, who exploit their surroundings for food. It highlights the intelligence and cunning of these creatures, including their ability to use tools and remember past encounters.
The narrative then shifts to the Moken tribe, who live underwater and are skilled at hunting and gathering without any diving equipment. Their underwater abilities are described in detail, including their ability to stay underwater for several minutes at a depth of more than 20 meters.
The narrative also discusses the phenomenon of "crown shyness", where trees keep their branches apart to avoid competition for sunlight. The reasons behind this phenomenon are still not fully understood.
The narrative concludes with a discussion of the Peacock butterfly's metamorphosis, which was significantly affected by industrial pollution. The butterflies changed their coloration to blend in with tree bark to avoid predation, a strategy that became less effective as pollution levels increased. The butterflies eventually returned to their original coloration as pollution levels decreased.
1. The Barbary lion, believed to be the largest that has ever existed, is now extinct.
2. Extinction of lions is not solely due to human impact; baboons also had a negative impact on their population.
3. Baboons steal lion cubs to eliminate the threat in advance, as they plan to use them as food in the future.
4. Octopuses are incredibly intelligent and cunning creatures, capable of opening tamper-proof jars and remembering a dislike for humans.
5. Octopuses are known to enjoy what people have already done, instead of hunting all kinds of underwater life.
6. The Moken tribe, living on the border of Thailand and Burma, are expert divers who can spend several minutes at a depth of more than 20 meters.
7. The Moken tribe's eyes are trained to focus even in the middle of salt water.
8. There is a phenomenon known as "crown shyness" where trees do not touch each other, but scientists still do not know why this happens.
9. The triptolemous grouper butterfly caterpillar can imitate a poisonous snake to scare away predators.
10. The world was fine until the industrial revolution, which led to large-scale atmospheric pollution affecting the vegetation.
11. The industrial revolution led to the disappearance of lichens, which the butterflies were hiding in.
12. More than 100 years later, people began to fight against air pollution and the butterflies started returning to the tree trunks.
13. Today, black specimens of butterflies are still found but they are incredibly rare.