Species

Why do camels have humps, and is there actually water in them? How do camels survive in the desert with that hairy coat? What's special about camel blood, and camel urine? Learn all about the dromedary on this episode of Species.   Bibliography

Yes, this is a real thing. No, we don't mean "gliding," or "jumping," we mean flying. Come learn about a biological rocket and the history of jet propulsion on this insane episode of Species. Bibliography  

Geoffrey Miller is among the most prominent scientists on earth. As an evolutionary psychologist, he has published over one hundred academic articles with over 14,000 citations, and he is the author of several popular books. His work has been featured everywhere from The New York Times to The Joe Rogan Experience, and he has worked as a consultant for governments, NGOs, and Fortune 500 companies alike. In this conversation, he uses evolutionary psychology as a lens with which to view a wide variety of topics, including: COVID-19, politics, free speech, polyamory, consciousness and the self.    Relevant links: - Geoffrey's website - Virtue Signaling book - Consciousness essay - Geoffrey's YouTube channel - Twitter - Geoffrey's recommended books for reading during the pandemic

Why do toucans have big beaks? Surprisingly, not because of sexual selection! Come learn about the many uses of the toucan's beak, hear about the bird that pays rent to toucans in blood, and discover how to make lighter crash-resistant cars on this episode of Species.   Bibliography

Learn about the defensive benefits of mucus, the origins of disgust, the disturbing source of tropical beaches, and the benefits of changing sex, all on this episode of Species. Bibliography Donate

In this episode, Macken sits down for a livestream with social media expert John Oberg. John gives us a tutorial on activism in the era of social distancing, before discussing a wide variety of topics relating animals and COVID-19. John and Macken discuss the humanist reasons to go vegan, wet markets, factory farms, and the ban on eating dogs in China. John Oberg is one of the most prominent characters in the modern animal rights movement. He is an animal advocate hoping to make the world a kinder place by utilizing the power of social media. He recently launched his own independent project for animals through Patreon. Prior to that, he served as Director of New Media for the international animal protection organization, The Humane League. And prior to that, John served as Director of Communications for Vegan Outreach. In both of these roles, John oversaw social media for the organizations which led to a tenfold increase in following for both, as well as over 1 billion views of content posted to these

The Arabian oryx is a legendary animal that rose from the dead and (possibly) started the myth of the unicorn. Come learn everything about them and their remarkable meteorological capabilities on this episode of Species.   Bibliography  

This is one of the most important species in human history, and one of the most well-understood beings in the universe. Why do we use them in labs? Are they sentient? Will they get me sick? Come hear all about fruit flies getting drunk to deal with their personal problems on this episode of Species.   Bibliography   Donate

Learn about the ruthless ways of the Canada goose, and the science behind their flight formation, on this episode of Species.   Bibliography

Macken and Tyus debate: Who would win, a Komodo dragon or an American alligator? Livestream Vote

Come learn about the goblin shark, alien neomorphs, slingshot jaws, and electroreceptors on this episode of Species. Bibliography

In this episode, we discuss the pangolin, their incredible abilities, their bizarre anatomy, and the terrible threats to their existence. We also discuss the coronavirus pandemic. Come join us for an unusually grim episode of Species.   Bibliography

Shedao Island houses 20,000 snakes inside 0.28 square miles. Learn all about this island and its remarkable inhabitants on this episode of Species.   Bibliography

Macken and Tyus debate: Who would win, a honey badger or a Tasmanian devil?      Vote for which animal you think would win!    Watch Livestream  

Do ostriches really bury their head in the sand? The short answer is no, the long answer is complicated. Come listen and learn all about the biggest bird on earth on this episode of Species.   Bibliography   Donate

This salamander famously stood still for seven years, but there's much more (or, perhaps, less) worth noticing about them. Come learn about one of the strangest animals on earth on this episode of Species.   Bibliography   Donate

Today's episode is about hibernation, Japanese culture, monogamy, video games, the fur trade, and more. Come learn about an incredibly unique animal who looks like a raccoon and lives like nothing else on earth.   Bibliography   Donate

The bobbit worm is an enormous, terrifying, predatory animal that lives in the depths of our oceans. How do they get inside aquariums? Do they have anything to do with Lorena and John Wayne Bobbitt? Why do they live underground? How do fish fight back against their reign of terror?   Find out on this episode of Species.   Bibliography   Donate

Why is 1/10th of Pingelap completely colorblind, and why is this parrot all over the place? Come learn about the parrot that builds apartment complexes on this episode of Species.   Bibliography   Donate

The fish with human teeth, the vegetarian piranha, the genital-eating fish, the pacu.   Bibliography   Donate