518: No Such Thing As Andrew Marvell's Cinematic Universe
Feb 15, 2024
auto_awesome
Topics discussed in this podcast episode include Anthony Trollope's writing routine, a TV show challenging tantric powers, shoe attacks in Parliament, the famous photo 'Valley of the Shadow of Death', and the misconception about chameleon color changes.
The Libor's chameleon in Madagascar experiences a unique reproductive cycle where the entire species exists in egg form for most of the year.
Chameleons have tongues with the highest acceleration and power output, allowing them to capture prey with precision.
Deep dives
The Chameleon that 'Goes Extinct'
The Libor's chameleon in Madagascar effectively goes extinct for several months every year. In November, the chameleons hatch and quickly grow to sexual maturity within two months. They breed and lay eggs in the ground, after which all the adults die in March. For most of the year, the entire species exists in egg form until the eggs hatch in November, starting the cycle again.
Chameleon tongue
Chameleons have tongues with the highest acceleration and power output of any movement in reptiles, birds, or mammals. The G-force on their tongues can reach up to 264 Gs, allowing them to capture prey with precision.
Queen Victoria's shoe throwing tradition
Queen Victoria had a tradition of throwing shoes for good luck. Punch magazine depicted her throwing a shoe at soldiers departing for the Crimean War in 1854. She repeated the tradition at Balmoral Castle in 1855. Shoe throwing for luck dates back to at least the 16th century.