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Intelligence Squared

The Circle of Life, with Joe Roman

May 4, 2024
Conservation biologist Joe Roman discusses the natural processes within animal biology and their impact on the world. Topics include nutrient cycling by animals, human biomass dominance, eating habits' effects on ecosystems, and restoring balance through traditional knowledge and rewilding efforts.
40:27

Episode guests

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Quick takeaways

  • Animals play a vital role in ecosystem function by distributing essential nutrients, impacting DNA and reproduction.
  • Animal movements shape environments, showcasing underestimated influence in sculpting diverse ecosystems.

Deep dives

The Role of Essential Nutrients in Shaping Ecosystems

Animals play a crucial role in ecosystem function by facilitating the movement of essential nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus. These nutrients are fundamental for life on Earth, impacting DNA, reproduction, and overall functionality for both plants and animals. While plants are known as the lungs of the planet for producing oxygen, animals help distribute vital elements through their movements, such as whales releasing nitrogen into ocean ecosystems through their feces, contributing to the building of nutrient cycles and diverse ecosystems.

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