New Scientist Podcasts
Escape Pod: #8 Escape from predators and escape from the planet
Apr 1, 2024
From explosive beetles to deep-sea free diving, this podcast episode explores various forms of escape. Learn about the defense mechanisms of beetles, escape velocity in space, and the legacy of mathematician Katherine Johnson. Dive into the world of free diving and underwater escapism, highlighting the extreme pressures and challenges faced by divers.
22:18
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Quick takeaways
- Bombardier beetles use hot acid defense mechanism against predators, showcasing evolution's creative solutions.
- Escape velocity enables space travel by overcoming Earth's gravity, crucial for exploring the universe.
Deep dives
The Explosive Escape of Beetles: A Chemical Warfare Survival Mechanism
Some beetles, like the bombardier beetle, have evolved a clever defense mechanism involving a chemical reaction that releases hot acid. When threatened, these beetles mix hydrogen peroxide and hydroquinone stored in separate sacks to create a volatile reaction chamber that squirts hot acid at predators. This defense system allows beetles to direct the spray at attackers, startling or repelling them. For example, a Japanese bombardier beetle uses this mechanism when attacked by a toad, causing the toad to regurgitate the beetle due to the acidic defense.
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