This chapter explores the ecological effects of the introduction of an invasive ant species in the African savannah. The invasion disrupts ant-plant mutualism, leading to changes in lion hunting behavior, prey preference, and the competitive advantage of certain tree species. The chapter discusses the cascading effects on the savanna ecosystem, including the impact on zebras, elephants, and the overall vegetation cover.
In this 212th in a series of live discussions with Bret Weinstein and Heather Heying (both PhDs in Biology), we talk about the state of the world through an evolutionary lens.
In this episode, we discuss how to build your own boot camp, with principles including the courage cascade, flak over the target, recognizing the distinction between signal and noise, random vs systematic error, “the room is not the room,” OODA loops, and keeping separate track of analytics and morals. Also: how a new ant in Africa has forced lions to change how and what they hunt. And: microbeef sushi.
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Mentioned in this episode:
Dolphins: https://x.com/rainmaker1973/status/1757341726186910022
Judicial Watch: DHS Secretary Mayorkas Personally Declined Presidential Candidate RFK Jr’s Request for Secret Service Protection: https://www.judicialwatch.org/rfk-jr-secret-service-protection/
Center for Countering Digital Hate – The New Climate Denial: https://counterhate.com/research/new-climate-denial/
Kamaru et al 2024. Disruption of an ant-plant mutualism shapes interactions between lions and their primary prey. Science, 383(6681): 433-438: https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adg1464
Microbeef sushi: https://www.science.org/content/article/rice-covered-cow-cells-aims-provide-nutritious-sustainable-food
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