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14: Domesticating Foxes, The Oldest Potted Plant, and Crosswords

Apr 7, 2022

Exploring topics like domesticating foxes, the oldest potted plant, and the love-hate relationship with crosswords. Delving into the concepts of domestication syndrome, genetic relationships between red foxes and dogs, and the evolution of potted plants throughout history. Discussing the longevity of plants, the appeal of crossword puzzles, and unique clues in crosswords. Touching on themes like the immune privilege of the eye and diversity in crossword creation.

01:34:27

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Quick takeaways

Domestication involves domestication syndrome and neural crest cell hypothesis in animals.

The oldest potted plant, the Eastern Cape Giant Psycad, is over 250 years old.

Crossword puzzles originated in 1913 and have evolved with experimental clues.

Enjoying crosswords with friends can add humor and camaraderie to the puzzle-solving experience.

Deep dives

The World's Oldest Potted Plant: The Eastern Cape Giant Psycad

The Eastern Cape Giant Psycad, a palm-like plant, is the world's oldest potted plant, estimated to be around 250 years old. It was first potted in the UK in 1775 and measures over 4 meters in height. This plant resides in Kew Gardens and hails from the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa. It receives minimal pruning and watering, needing occasional attention to remove dead leaves and provide infrequent large waterings.

Intro

2min

Potted Plants, Crosswords, Spicy Challenges, and Silver Fox Domestication

6min

The Evolution of Domestication: Dogs, Foxes, and Genetics

29min

Exploring the Possibility of Domesticating Various Animals

2min

The Evolution of Potted Plants Through History

9min

The World's Oldest Potted Plant

14min

Longevity of Plants: Cycads and Bristlecone Pine

5min

The History and Appeal of Crossword Puzzles

11min

Exploring the Immune Privilege of the Eye and the Art of Crossword Puzzles

14min

10.

Exciting Discussions on Foxes, Potted Plants, and Teasers for the Future

3min

Could you domesticate a fox, and what even IS domestication? What is the oldest potted plant, and, wait, what does Caroline mean by that question? And how did Tom go from hating crosswords to loving them?

The photo we mention of Mecta the Fox Pup

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We also learn about: the first domesticated animals, one of Darwin’s sequels, floppy ears, domestication syndrome, the fox bachelor, the neural crest cell hypothesis, our version of Behind the Bastards, cited comment critiques, we all just want to learn, I’ve never seen a plant in the middle ages, we completely misinterpret the question, ella’s old man wisdom, a plant older than america, the anxious keepers of the oldest potted plant, crosswords were a fad, we were always insufferable, relearnig ocular immunity, crossword fuckery, “thirsty” well shortz, what is and isn’t general knowledge? and bad jokes with friends.

Sources:

A New Origin Story for Dogs

Dog Domestication and the Dual Dispersal of People and Dogs into the Americas

Genomic and archaeological evidence suggest a dual origin of domestic dogs

The Silver Fox Domestication Experiment

Early Canid Domestication: interplay between behavioral genetics and development

Red Fox Genomic Regions Associated with Tame Behaviours

The “Domestication Syndrome” in Mammals: Neural Crest Cell Behavior and Genetics

The History of Farm Foxes Undermines the Animal Domestication Syndrome

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The History Of Houseplants

Penjing