AI-powered
podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
The Sneezing Sponge
Sea sponges are renowned filter feeders, straining tens of thousands of leters of water through their bodies every day to collect food. But they can also hoover up particles that clog their internal filter systems. Luckily, though, they have a way to rid themselves of this accumulated mucus, sneezing. In current biology, you might have heard the term crocodile tears to describe an insincere expression of emotion - but perhaps banobo tears would be more accurate. The chimpanzee may voluntarily control their emotional expressions in order to solicit consolation from its peers.