David Attenborough's Natural Curiosities

Tides govern marine life. Tidal marshes are some of the most productive parts of the world. Numerous plants support numerous animals, yet life is not easy; predators are attracted to these enormous quantities of food, forcing animals to seek constant protection from attack. Relief comes with the crashing waves, as the tides flow once more. Between the tides, when the sands become depleted of food and air, the worms, clams and shrimps just endure the expected pause.

The boundary between land and sea is an exciting place, with animals constantly coming and going. From the open oceans, millions of seabirds are forced to come onto land to breed. Sea eagles steal kittiwake chicks from their nesting ledges. Turtles lay their eggs in the sand and marine mammals haul themselves out to fight on the beaches. Sea lions emerge from the kelp to give birth, while killer whales come crashing into n the surf to snatch the sea lions' young.

Bathed in warm, clear tropical water and brilliant sunlight, coral reefs are the rainforests of the sea. Surrounded by ocean deserts, they are rich oases of life. Spectacular numbers make it necessary to stand out to survive. This competition is highly visible as brightly coloured fish compete for food, territory and mates. But the corals themselves are also dynamic. Incredible time-lapse photography shows the dramatic formation of a coral reef, portraying its myriad inhabitants and its ultimate destruction.