Robert N. Spengler

Director of the Fruits of Eurasia, Domestication and Dispersal Research Project, and leads the Domestication and Anthropogenic Evolution Research Group at the Max Planck Institute of Geoanthropology in Jena, Germany. He is also the author of the book Fruit from the Sands.

Best podcasts with Robert N. Spengler

Ranked by the Snipd community

Jul 22, 2025 • 38min

Robert N. Spengler, "Nature's Greatest Success: How Plants Evolved to Exploit Humanity" (Univ of California Press, 2025)

In this engaging discussion, Robert N. Spengler, a leading researcher in domestication and co-evolution, uncovers the surprising history of how grass manipulated humanity into agriculture over 15,000 years. He challenges the notion that humans solely invented agriculture, revealing a complex interplay where plants and animals evolved in response to human practices. Highlights include the evolution of chickens and the intricate relationships with domesticated organisms, showcasing how mutual benefits and challenges define our connection to nature.

The AI-powered Podcast Player

Save insights by tapping your headphones, chat with episodes, discover the best highlights - and more!

Get the app