Species

Latest Episodes:

Bonus: Parachuting beavers, smart sparrows, and Pikachu. May 18, 2018

Show notes

In this episode Macken tells a true story about beavers parachuting into Idaho, then he tells another about house sparrows opening doors. To wrap things up, he reveals the origin of Pikachu's name.

It's a short, busy, entertaining show that packs in a whole bunch of fun. Come join us for a surprising treat on this bonus episode of Species.

Bibliography: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ZqR-2jGqjGBhBAxUIEcYJadIXesurePLKfY6I0otvqM/edit?usp=sharing

Pygmy Marmoset May 13, 2018

Show notes

This episode opens with a crime in Australia, and then takes us to South America to learn about the amazing pygmy marmoset. We answer some cool questions today:

What is the difference between a monkey and a primate? What defines a species? Do pygmy marmosets always have twins? What is a fingerling? Do pygmy marmosets fart when you touch their heads, and do they lick pee?

This episode also ends in Australia: Macken finally gets around to reading the Australian 5-star reviews.

Bibliography:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/10LdciSatuHi8izLGJIYEJLlArB3qmQ15fmwXrXSMQgQ/edit?usp=sharing

Mary River Turtle May 06, 2018

Show notes

Can these turtles breathe through their butts? Do they shop at Hot Topic? How did people sell these turtles as pets before they were even discovered as a species? Why do these turtles wear mohawks? Is the New York Times fake news?

Come find out about some punk-rock turtles on this episode of Species.

Bibliography: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1qi1Nehny-XSRpj_y0hhLVaLs6gXVh8mAtyB10Lc7Kg4/edit?usp=sharing

Help save this wonderful animal: http://maryriverturtle.tiarolandcare.org.au

House Sparrow Apr 29, 2018

Show notes

You see this animal every day, but do you know anything about them?

Today we will learn the different house sparrow calls and their meanings, reveal some wild places people have found this bird, and explain the history of their expansion from Israel to world domination.

Impress your friends by translating house sparrow chirps and chatters into English! Join us, come listen!

Bibliography: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lWH_oF8e_smvG8JCko1oWMgBBhGpgLU_jXgvRcF6VYw/edit?usp=sharing

Bull Shark Apr 22, 2018

Show notes

Did President Woodrow Wilson declare war on sharks? How did an Australian golf course accidentally end up with a lake full of bull sharks? How do these animals survive in both freshwater and saltwater? What are my odds of getting attacked by a bull shark?

Come enjoy a couple of crazy stories, and learn all about this incredible animal on this episode of Species.

Bibliography: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jI4syGbFaYQ4CIX7IROaAAaP4gvwq6iMd0WBr45Hz-E/edit?usp=sharing

American Pika Apr 15, 2018

Show notes

Why do we find some animals so adorable? What is the science behind cuteness? Do pikas have accents? If the American pika dies at room temperature, how the heck are they adapting to global warming?

Come learn all about the animal who is somehow simultaneously asocial and cooperative, the adorable American pika.

Bibliography: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lXOq75u7BzmTd_NeQq2jK12QT0muYkCN_nkgX7PP9mY/edit?usp=sharing

African Rock Python Apr 08, 2018

Show notes

The largest snake in Africa, a terrifying predator, an animal who swallows humans whole... The African rock python.

Does this animal have heat vision? Who would win in a fight, an African rock python or a hyena? What about a crocodile? How about a lion?

Find out on this episode of Species.

Bibliography: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1VaYjbaX-qe7rADpu-cB2VkYwvoZkbufnWZ2fZFl8smI/edit?usp=sharing

Kakapo Apr 01, 2018

Show notes

The only flightless parrot, one of the only nocturnal parrots, the heaviest parrot we know and perhaps the longest-living bird on earth... the kakapo!

Come learn all about this wonderful animal, and get all your questions answered: What is a lek? Why does each kakapo have a "boom-sac"? Who is Sirocco?

Find out on this episode of Species.

Bibliography: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1F4Gf3cvnOvFkzFaz3WhwdCNOYOVFMscUO99SHR6WVNE/edit?usp=sharing

Save the kakapo: http://kakaporecovery.org.nz

Japanese Giant Salamander Mar 25, 2018

Show notes

Who would win, a samurai, or a giant salamander? Is it true that they breathe through their skin? Can the Japanese giant salamander survive getting cut in half? Do they make good dads?

Come learn everything about this massive creature on this episode of Species.

Bibliography: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Az3Ys_jZfCdobqKGuU5pU_4chiiw0Ufg_j4B5Oc_2a4/edit?usp=sharing

Tasmanian Devil Mar 18, 2018

Show notes

Why are they called devils? Do they have the strongest bite on earth? Can they eat people? Will the Tasmanian devil save humanity?

Find out on this episode of Species.

Bibliography: https://docs.google.com/document/d/111ZryMeUPFqKUF9rSnq_fvUCE35e_bb7wPzdLkPRPsQ/edit?usp=sharing