Natalie: My name is Natalie French, and I will be substituting for Dr. Gregory.

BUFFY: Do you know when he's coming back?

Natalie: No, I don't, um, (checks her roster) Buffy. They just call and tell me where they want me.

Blayne: (in a low voice) I'll tell you where I want you.

Natalie: Excuse me, Blayne?

Blayne: Uh, I was just wondering if you were gonna pick up where Dr. Gregory left off.

Natalie: Yes. His notes tell me you were right in the middle of insect life. The praying mantis is a fascinating creature. Forced to live alone. Who can tell me why? Buffy?

BUFFY: Well, the words 'bug-ugly' kinda spring to mind.

Natalie: There is nothing ugly about these unique creatures. The reason they live alone is because they're cannibals!

BUFFY: Eww!

Natalie: Oh, well, it's hardly their fault! It's the way nature designed them: noble, solitary and prolific. Over 1800 species worldwide, and in nearly all of them the female is larger *and* more aggressive than the male.

Blayne: (aside to Buffy) Nothing wrong with an aggressive female.

Natalie: The California Mantis lays her eggs, and then finds a mate to fertilize them. Once he's played his part, she covers the eggs in a protective sack and attaches it to a leaf or twig out of danger. Now, if she's done her job correctly, in a few months she'll have several hundred offspring. You know, we should make some model egg sacks for the science fair. Who would like to help me do that after school?

All the boys raise their hands.

Natalie: (pleased) Good!

written by: David Greenwalt; Transcribed by: AleXander Thompson. Full transcript at:
http://www.studiesinwords.de/04pet.html