Discover the surprising ways flies navigate in rectangles and how fish use bioluminescence for camouflage. Learn about the intricate mating dance of flies and how to differentiate male from female mosquitoes. Dive into the mysteries of starfish symmetry and the challenges of measuring Mount Everest amidst climate change. Hear an incredible survival tale from a mountaineer and celebrate a presenter's quirky dedication to axolotls with a tattoo. This podcast is a treasure trove of scientific wonders that will leave you amazed!
The staggering fly population, estimated at 17 billion for every human, highlights the complex ecology and navigation behaviors of these insects.
The moon's gravitational influence not only affects ocean tides but also subtly lifts the land beneath us, showcasing Earth's interconnected systems.
Deep dives
The Enigmatic World of Flies
The discussion highlights fascinating questions surrounding the number of flies that have ever existed. Experts reveal that for every human currently alive, there are approximately 17 billion flies, showcasing the staggering population of these insects. While a definitive answer to the total number of individual flies remains elusive, researchers established that about 1 quadrillion species of flies have existed throughout time. Interesting behaviors, such as the flight patterns of flies around landmarks, indicate a sophisticated navigational understanding that adds depth to their complex ecology.
Male and Female Mosquitoes: A Distinctive Difference
The episode underscores the significant difference in feeding behaviors between male and female mosquitoes, with only females consuming blood for reproductive needs. This biological necessity ties into their mating rituals, as male mosquitoes are generally vegetarians and attract females for breeding purposes. Listeners learn that identifying male mosquitoes requires careful observation, as males possess distinct physical traits, likened to having 'beards'. This surprising fact emphasizes the intricate relationships and evolutionary adaptations present within mosquito populations.
The Surprising Influence of the Moon on Earth
The podcast discusses the gravitational effects of the moon, which not only causes tides in the oceans but also induces subtle 'tides' in the land beneath our feet. As the moon passes overhead, the ground can rise slightly, demonstrating an unseen influence that many may overlook. This revelation ties back to the moon's broader impact on natural phenomena, including its essential role in the rhythm of life on Earth. The continuing exploration of such relationships underscores the interconnectedness of celestial and terrestrial systems.
Did you know that flies fly in rectangles, fish hide by lighting themselves up and the moon is lifting the ground underneath your feet? Anand Jagatia quizzes members of the CrowdScience team on the moments from the past year that had them scratching their heads in amazement.
We hear Dr Erica McAlister’s attempts to calculate how many flies have ever existed, and about flies’ mating choreography, courtesy of Prof Jochen Zeil. We learn how to tell a mosquito’s sex thanks to Eggrey Aisha Kambewa and Dr Steve Gowelo.
Astronomer Dr Darren Baskill describes tides not of water but of land; Dr Edie Widder paints a vivid picture of a camouflaged creature of the deep; and we explore starfishes’ five-fold symmetry with Dr Imran Rahman.
Khimlal Gautam, Mountaineer and Chief Survey Officer for the Government of Nepal, tells us of the near-death experience he had when checking the height of Mount Everest.
And finally, axolotl expert Dr Elly Tanaka is astonished at the dedication of CrowdScience presenter Alex Lathbridge to the subject of her research.
Presenter: Anand Jagatia
Producer: Ben Motley
Editor: Cathy Edwards
Production Co-ordinator: Ishmael Soriano
Studio Managers: Donald MacDonald and Giles Aspen
(Photo: Lost in formulas Credit: Cimmerian via Getty Images)
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