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Peacock

Resource for Grades 1-5

| Citation

Media Type:
Video

Running Time: 1m 10s
Size: 3.3 MB

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Source: Nature: "The Beauty of Ugly"

Learn more about the Nature film "The Beauty of Ugly."

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Funding for the VITAL/Ready to Teach collection was secured through the United States Department of Education under the Ready to Teach Program.

In this video segment from Nature, learn about the beauty and splendor of peacocks. In the animal world it is not uncommon for the males to have a more beautiful or attractive appearance than the females. This is certainly the case with peacocks, but it is by no mistake. Although the length and weight of the feathers puts the male at risk from predators, it’s his overall goal to attract the attention and acceptance of his female counterpart. If the male peacock survives, the female peacock decides he is strong enough to be her mate.

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Teaching Tips

The following Frame, Focus and Follow-up suggestions are best suited for middle school students using this video in an English language arts or science lesson. Be sure to modify the questions to meet your students' instructional needs.

What is Frame, Focus and Follow-up?

Frame (ELA) Think of as many words as you possibly can to describe a peacock.

Focus (ELA) Describe the male peacock and the female peacock in the segment.

Follow Up(ELA) Write a paragraph to describe the male and the female peacocks. How are they the same or different?

Frame (SCI) What do you know about peacocks?

Focus (SCI) What is the purpose of the five foot tail? Is it helpful or is it a hindrance?

Follow Up (SCI) Think of examples in the animal world when the male in the species has a more attractive appearance than the female. How does the male’s appearance affect the female? Does it ever put the male in danger by drawing unwanted attention or creating an obstacle?

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Transcript

Take, for example, the noble peacock. It’s one of the most beautiful birds, with nearly every color under the sun. But that five-foot-long tail is also totally impractical; more of a hindrance than a help when fleeing from predators such as tigers. So why have a tail to die for?

If the male can survive despite being handicapped by handsomeness, he’s likely to be seen as hyper-healthy, a trait any prospective mother would want to pass on to her children.

So the whole point of this dandy’s dance is for the male to advertise his gorgeousness.

Among peacocks, the good-looking guy always gets the girl.