The collective power of a microscopic marine army

Nature · Published 12 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Discover how individual sea urchins coordinate in massive numbers to form a formidable aquatic force. This BBC Earth feature explores the surprising social dynamics and collective behaviors of these resilient marine creatures.

The video showcases the phenomenon of sea urchins gathering in large enough numbers to function as a collective 'army.' By observing these behaviors, the content highlights the complex natural wonders found within marine ecosystems.

As part of BBC Earth's 50-year history of natural history content, this exploration provides a look at the dramatic and rare behaviors of sea urchins, emphasizing how individual organisms can create significant environmental impacts through sheer numbers.

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