The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week Cheesy Mummies, Ant Farmers, When Superstitions Actually Help
Nov 6, 2024
Laura Krantz, author of "Do You Believe in Magic?", joins the conversation to explore the power of superstitions and their surprising benefits. The hosts share fascinating tales like ants farming fungi, showcasing the intersection of science and magic. Delving into mummy cheese, they uncover ancient dairy practices and the emotional ties we have with our rituals. The discussion reveals how superstitions can offer comfort and control, illustrating their psychological impact on our daily lives.
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Ants as Farmers
- Ant farms, popular since the 1970s, depict real ant behavior.
- Many ant species cultivate fungi in underground gardens, mirroring human agriculture.
Post-Dino Ant Agriculture
- The asteroid that wiped out dinosaurs created ideal conditions for fungi.
- Ants capitalized on this, forming a lasting agricultural partnership with fungi.
Leafcutter Ants
- Leafcutter ants, the most advanced ant farmers, harvest vegetation for their fungi.
- This evolved about 27 million years ago during a global cooling period.