12: Thermal Biology, Why we have Periods, and Stickers
Mar 10, 2022
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Explore the connection between heat and biology, the evolutionary mystery of human periods, and the fascinating history of stickers. Learn about thermal biology in animals, the diversity of menstruation across species, and the origins of stickers from ancient times to modern collectibles.
Heat is the vibration of molecules, explaining heat transfer and cold space.
Thermoregulation varies in animals; endotherms create internal heat, ectotherms rely on external.
Menstruation evolved as a maternal-fetal conflict resolution, balancing genetic interests for reproductive success.
Deep dives
Heat and Thermal Biology Unveiled
Heat and thermal biology encompass the jiggling movements of molecules, revealing the physical nature of heat. Understanding heat as the vibration of particles sheds light on phenomena like heat transfer that explain heat dissipation and cold space. The concept of heat as tiny molecular movements revolutionizes perspectives on various natural occurrences.
The World of Thermoregulation Explored
Thermoregulation plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis and life's equilibrium. Endotherms generate their internal heat, while ectotherms rely on external heat sources. The distinction between homeotherms maintaining stable body temperatures and heterotherms experiencing varied temperature ranges highlights the diversity of thermal adaptation in the animal kingdom.
The Mystery of Menstruation Unraveled
Menstruation stems from decidualisation, a protective process preparing the uterus for potential pregnancy. Spontaneous decidualisation in humans and select mammals serves as a maternal-fetal conflict resolution mechanism. The maternal-fetal conflict hypothesis elucidates the evolutionary adaptive nature of periods, balancing the divergent genetic interests of the mother and fetus for optimal reproductive success.
Evolutionary Biology of Menstruation
Female reproductive anatomy, evolution, and diseases such as endometriosis are areas of human biology that have been historically least understood. Research on female reproductive mechanisms, including spontaneous decidualization and embryonic selection, can provide insights into illnesses like ectopic pregnancies and endometriosis. Understanding the evolutionary biology of menstruation can help in comprehending various dangers and health challenges faced by individuals with a uterus.
History and Evolution of Stickers
Stickers have a fascinating origin dating back to ancient Egyptian times, where merchants used signs to label products. The concept evolved over centuries, with the first self-adhesive sticker created in 1839 by Sir Roland Hill for postage stamps. Bumper stickers popularized stickers in the mid-20th century, leading to the emergence of branded and collectible stickers. In modern times, digital stickers have become a significant industry, reflecting the continuous evolution of stickers throughout history.
What do heat and temperature have to do with biology? (It turns out, a lot!) We know what periods are, but why do humans have them? And stickers are delightful but how did they come about?
We also learn about: what is heat? endotherms ectotherms homeotherms heterotherms and poikilotherms, being warm blooded evolved twice, heat generating plants, naked mole rats are weird, the podcast's stable of strange animals grows, kleptothermy, everyone huddles, which animals have periods? mansplaining periods, elphant shrews, convergent evolution of periods, spontaneous decidualization, "pregnancy is parasitic", women's reproductive research is underfunded, georgian beauty standards, stamp based tangents, bumper stickers, and our favorite stickers.
