National Geographic: Rhythms of Life Page #3

---

across the forest floor marks

the turning of the planet.

A shifting pool of light holds

treasure for plants and animals alike.

Sunbathers under the leafy canopy,

many plants collect much of their

energy during brief interludes of light.

A boastful bird takes this spotlight

for a stage.

In the dark, his finery is invisible,

meaningless.

Only by day can the male riflebird

capitalize on his gaudy attire.

His appearance, like a feathered,

black-and-white rose,

has been calculated by evolution to

entice females to his side.

A vibrant, sunlit display,

all about sex,

as crisp as the snapping of a fan.

The last hours before sunset often

inspire a flurry of movement.

Once the sun fails,

most birds will lose their powers

of sight and of flight.

They gorge in preparation

for the fast to come.

Color and flair are an advertisement

for plants too.

Their brightly hued fruit

attracts birds,

and with the feast the cycle of life

and rebirth will continue.

For after eating,

the birds will spread the seeds

of new plants far and wide.

While most creatures of the air

depend on the bright of day,

others like fruit bats, are tuned to

more nocturnal rhythms.

All day they had been invisible,

sleeping in the shadows,

saving their energy against

the hot sun.

Now twilight signals to them,

a silent summons.

The bats scramble and take control of

the air the birds have left behind.

Millions crowd the sky,

ever graceful, never colliding.

Foraging in darkness,

the bats have turned to senses

other than sight to find their way.

They navigate the night by sound,

until they find a likely spot

for a meal.

By moonlight,

plants need a different lure

to attract visitors' perfume.

Little is more savory to these bats

than the scent of

ripe blossoms and fruit.

And once they take their fill,

like birds,

they carry seeds everywhere they fly,

assuring the future of

their favorite foods.

The rising moon offers

a gentle promise,

cooling relief from the heat

of the day.

And many creatures bide their time

until the evening hours.

Other mammals have also learned

to maneuver through the midnight air,

like Australia's sugar gliders.

With their built-in parachute,

a sugar glider can span the length

of a football field.

It may seem a bold leap of faith,

but they're only following

family footsteps.

By smearing their scent

upon the branches,

they blaze invisible trails

for their kin to follow.

Their search for insects, sap,

and nectars

carries the gliders into the night.

Like bats, they survey the dark

with sensitive noses.

This evening harvest keeps

these squirrel-like creatures

safe from the predators of day.

Rate this script:0.0 / 0 votes