The documentary filmmakers explore the fascinating world of animal communication, posing questions such as whether moths can hear, how sound waves travel through water, and how foxes detect mice hidden beneath the snow. Through their study, they uncover the myriad ways in which auditory senses are utilized for communication throughout the animal kingdom.
Beginning with caterpillars, commonly believed to be unable to hear, the filmmakers reveal that these creatures do, in fact, respond to the vibrations of sound. They exhibit signs of agitation and defensive behavior when exposed to spoken sound, resembling their reaction to a potential predator. Though their response may appear comical and non-threatening, it provides evidence of their ability to perceive acoustic information.
This finding is reinforced by the discovery that moths, which are essentially adult caterpillars, also exhibit reactions to the sounds emitted by bats, their natural predators. When bats hunt and produce a whistling sound, moths respond by descending from the air to evade being caught and eaten.
The exploration then delves into the underwater realm, focusing on marine mammals like dolphins and whales. These creatures employ low-frequency sound waves to communicate across vast distances of up to 500 miles through water. Returning to land, the filmmakers delve into the concept of “audio pavilions,” or external ears, and how their diverse shapes affect the precision of sound reception.
Taking to the skies with a flock of cranes, the audience gains insight into their incessant vocalizations, which serve as both a means of communication and navigation during migration. The use of acoustic markers by cranes mirrors the strategies employed by humans to coordinate fleets of aircraft.
The documentary further explores the role of sound emission and reception in the lives of cicadas, tarantulas, toads, birds, and even tribal humans, revealing the intricate systems of communication that exist across species. Through “Natural Genius,” viewers gain a deeper understanding of the complexities and diversity of communication methods in the animal kingdom.
