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136. The World’s Most Controversial Ornithologist

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Jul 20, 2024

Guest

Richard Prum

Richard Prum, a groundbreaking ornithologist from Yale, challenges traditional evolutionary notions by integrating queer theory with biology. He reveals how female ducks have developed unique contraceptive strategies against forced copulation, showcasing their reproductive autonomy. Prum also discusses the evolution of beauty in birds, emphasizing the role of female choice in driving diversity. Additionally, he explores the complexity of feather evolution and bird vocalization, shedding light on the intricate interplay of aesthetics and survival in the animal kingdom.

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ANECDOTE

Feather Evolution Story

Richard Prum, inspired by a lecture and dino fuzz, challenged the traditional view of feather evolution.
His theory, based on feather growth, posited that down feathers predate flight feathers.

insights

INSIGHT

How to Study Evolution

Studying feather growth, not just function, reveals evolutionary history.
Feathers, like fingers, evolved before their most advanced functions, like flight or piano playing.

question_answer

ANECDOTE

Birdwatching Beginnings

Richard Prum's passion for birdwatching started at age 10.
A trip to Suriname fueled his research by revealing unique mannequin behaviors.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

The Evolution of Feathers

01:52 • 17min

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The Intriguing Anatomy of Bird Vocalization

19:01 • 1min

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Exploring the Evolution of Bird Behavior and Female Mate Choice

20:30 • 3min

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Beauty and Evolution: A New Perspective

23:43 • 20min

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Duck Dynamics: Feminism and Evolution

44:01 • 8min

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Exploring Gender, Biology, and Dynamic Pricing

51:43 • 14min

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Dynamic Pricing and Upcoming Podcast Highlights

01:06:08 • 4min

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#3889

• Mentioned in 7 episodes

The Evolution of Beauty

How Darwin's Forgotten Theory of Mate Choice Shapes the Animal World—and Us

Richard Prum

In 'The Evolution of Beauty', Richard Prum argues that Darwin's theory of sexual selection, often overshadowed by natural selection, plays a crucial role in shaping the natural world. He highlights the importance of female mate choice and aesthetic preferences in driving evolutionary changes, using examples from bird species and extending these principles to human evolution. The book challenges traditional views of evolution by placing beauty and desire at the forefront of evolutionary dynamics.

#149

• Mentioned in 91 episodes

The selfish gene

Lalla Ward Richard Dawkins

Richard Dawkins

In 'The Selfish Gene', Richard Dawkins presents a gene-centred view of evolution, arguing that genes are the primary units of selection and that they behave selfishly to ensure their own replication. The book explains concepts such as kin selection, inclusive fitness, and the evolutionarily stable strategy, highlighting how these mechanisms can lead to altruistic behaviors in organisms. Dawkins emphasizes that the 'selfishness' of genes is a metaphorical concept, describing their evolutionary consequences rather than any intentional behavior. The book has been influential in shaping modern evolutionary thought and remains relevant today.

#926

• Mentioned in 25 episodes

The Blind Watchmaker

Richard Dawkins

In *The Blind Watchmaker*, Richard Dawkins presents a comprehensive explanation of the theory of evolution through natural selection. He argues against the creationist metaphor of the skilled watchmaker by introducing the concept of a 'blind watchmaker,' where natural selection acts without foresight or purpose. Dawkins uses examples such as the evolution of the eye and computer simulations to illustrate how complexity can arise from simple organisms through cumulative selection. The book also addresses common criticisms of evolution and argues against the existence of a divine creator, emphasizing that the Darwinian world-view is the only known theory that could explain the mystery of our existence.

#287

• Mentioned in 55 episodes

The God Delusion

Richard Dawkins

In 'The God Delusion', Richard Dawkins argues that the belief in a supernatural creator, God, is almost certainly false and qualifies as a delusion. He examines God in various forms, from the Old Testament to the Celestial Watchmaker, and critiques the major arguments for religion. Dawkins discusses how religion fuels war, fosters bigotry, and abuses children, and he advocates for atheism as a morally and intellectually fulfilling worldview. The book also explores the relationship between religion and morality, suggesting that morality can exist independently of religion, and argues against the teaching of religion in schools as a form of indoctrination.

#1909

• Mentioned in 14 episodes

The descent of man

Charles Darwin

In 'The Descent of Man, and Selection in Relation to Sex', Darwin extends his theory of evolution to humans, discussing how humans evolved from pre-existing forms and the role of sexual selection in this process. The book compares human physical and psychological characteristics to those of other animals, arguing that humans and other species share a common ancestry. It also explores the differences between human races and sexes, and the evolutionary basis of human behaviors and moral qualities. The work challenges the idea of special creation and argues for the continuity between humans and other animals in both anatomy and mental faculties.

#49188

Performance All the Way Down

Genes, Development, and Sexual Selection

Richard Prum

In *Performance All the Way Down*, Richard O. Prum integrates feminist thought with biology to challenge the binary concept of biological sex. He argues that gene expression is a performative process, where individuals develop through a continuum of self-enactment, reflecting the agency of genes, molecules, cells, and tissues. This approach bridges the divide between humanities and sciences, offering new insights into genetics and developmental biology.

Richard Prum says there's a lot that traditional evolutionary biology can't explain. He thinks a neglected hypothesis from Charles Darwin — and insights from contemporary queer theory — hold the answer. Plus: You won't believe what female ducks use for contraception.

SOURCE:
- Richard Prum, professor of ornithology, ecology and evolutionary biology at Yale University.

RESOURCES:
- "Stop Your Populist Grandstanding Over Wendy’s ‘Surge Pricing’," by Catherine Rampell (The Washington Post, 2024).
- "Dynamic Pricing Tech May Brighten Retail Bottom Lines and Put Consumers in the Dark," by Kristin Schwab and Sofia Terenzio (Marketplace, 2024).
- Performance All the Way Down: Genes, Development, and Sexual Difference, by Richard Prum (2023).
- The Evolution of Beauty: How Darwin's Forgotten Theory of Mate Choice Shapes the Animal World — and Us, by Richard Prum (2017).
- "Duck Sex and the Patriarchy," by Richard Prum (The New Yorker, 2017).
- "Dinosaur Feathers Came before Birds and Flight," by Richard Prum and Alan Brush (Scientific American, 2014).
- "How Chickens Lost Their Penises (And Ducks Kept Theirs)," by Ed Yong (National Geographic, 2013).
- "Media Attacks Duck Genitalia Research," by Emma Goldberg (Yale Daily News, 2013).
- "Mate Choice and Sexual Selection: What Have We Learned Since Darwin?" by Adam G. Jones and Nicholas L. Ratterman (PNAS, 2009).
- "Development and Evolutionary Origin of Feathers," by Richard O. Prum (Journal of Experimental Zoology, 2002).
- The Blind Watchmaker: Why the Evidence of Evolution Reveals a Universe without Design, by Richard Dawkins (1986).
- "Display Behavior, Foraging Ecology, and Systematics of the Golden-Winged Manakin (Masius chrysopterus)," by Richard Prum and Ann Johnson (The Wilson Bulletin, 1987).
- The Selfish Gene, by Richard Dawkins (1976).
- The Descent of Man, and Selection in Relation to Sex, by Charles Darwin (1871).

EXTRAS:
- "Is Gynecology the Best Innovation Ever?" by People I (Mostly) Admire (2024).
- "The Price of Doing Business with John List," by People I (Mostly) Admire (2022).

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