Ted Schultz
Curator of ants at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, specializing in the study of fungus-farming ants.
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Oct 22, 2024 • 16min
How the asteroid that killed the dinosaurs made ants into farmers
Ted Schultz, a curator of ants at the Smithsonian, shares his insights into the fascinating world of fungus-farming ants. He discusses how these ants cultivate fungi much like humans farm crops, creating a symbiotic relationship that dates back to the catastrophic asteroid impact 66 million years ago. Schultz explains their complex farming techniques, including the challenges they face and their evolutionary strategies. This captivating conversation sheds light on the intertwined histories of both ants and human agricultural practices.
Oct 3, 2024 • 29min
Scientific evidence that cats are liquids, and when ants started their fungus farms
David Grimm, an online editor, dives into the curious self-perception of cats, investigating whether they really think of themselves as liquids. Hilarity ensues as he shares anecdotes about their impressive flexibility. Joining him, Ted Schultz, a research entomologist, discusses the incredible history of ant-fungus farming that emerged around 66 million years ago during ecological crises. This fascinating symbiosis reveals how ants adapted to survive by cultivating fungi, offering insights into non-human agricultural practices.
