Species

Beauty Behavioral Ecology | Dr. Marta Kowal

07 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A discussion with Marta Kowal on beautification and what predicts it. Marta Kowal (PhD) is a post-doctoral researcher at the IDN Being Human Lab, In...

In Other Nests | Macken Murphy

15 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A natural history of infidelity and a history of science on the topic. Listen and learn about the oldest known laws in history, fish that get pessismi...

Forgotten Apes | Dr. Susan Cheyne

05 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

An audio essay on human nature, followed by an interview with primatologist Dr. Susan Cheyne. Susan is the co-director of the Borneo Nature Foundation...

Pilled | Louis Bachaud

12 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A deep dive into the manosphere, with the scholar who knows it best, Louis Bachaud. The manosphere is a constellation of 5 loosely affiliated communit...

Hair on Our Faces | Dr. Barnaby Dixson

29 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today, we explore the befuddling (and surprisingly complex) mystery of the human beard. Our guide is Dr. Barnaby Dixson, a human behavioral ecologist ...

The Unchosen Ones | William Costello

09 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

William Costello is an expert on incels, a rising star in the field of evolutionary psychology, and the latest protégé of Dr. David Buss. In this co...

Date Psychology | Alexander

04 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Alexander is a psychologist and science communicator. He is best known for his deep dives into the literature on human mating and his nuanced critique...

Great White Shark

26 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water... a brand new episode of Species. Come listen and learn about their secret social lives, ho...

Updates | 1.15.23

16 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I'm extremely busy and, unfortunately, pausing production on Species, at least for most of this month. If you sent me a donation in January and you wa...

Master of Puppets | Dr. Robert Plomin

26 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

"DNA isn't all that matters, but it matters more than everything else put together." —Dr. Robert Plomin Blueprint: https://mitpress.mit.edu/97802620...

Updates | 12.18.22

19 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

TikTok @mackenmurphy: https://www.tiktok.com/@mackenmurphy YouTube @murphymacken (I would buy the @mackenmurphy handle from you, if you have it): http...

Mimic Octopus

05 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Nature's greatest shapeshifter, the mimic octopus is known for their spectacular impersonations of other species. Bibliography: https://docs.google.c...

Gossiping for Mates | Dr. Tania Reynolds

21 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Women compete vigorously over mates but do so more subtly than men. In this episode, Dr. Tania Reynolds teaches us how women use gossip to win mates. ...

Vegetarian Spider

06 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This spider, Bagheera kiplingi, prefers a plant-based diet. Come learn about trees that pay ant security guards in gold, The Jungle Book, and an exce...

Guinea Pig

18 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Not from Guinea, not a pig. Upcoming live events... 10 AM on October 26th: https://www.talesonmoonlane.co.uk/halftermfestival 2 PM on October 26th: ht...

White-Tailed Deer

02 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Come learn about predator-prey communication, Bambi, and the most-hunted big game animal in America on this episode of Species. Bibliography: https:/...

California Condor

19 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Find out how sock puppets aided the most insane conservation effort in history and learn everything about America's biggest bird. Bibliography: http...

State of Affairs | Dr. Brooke Scelza

22 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Infidelity is almost ubiquitous among the Himba, an indigenous group of pastoralists living in Namibia and Angola. In this episode, I speak with a hum...

Birdlike

07 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

An essay about birds, music, and evolution. https://tenderly.medium.com/birds-are-musicians-24b3d2dc5eb2

Rattlesnake

25 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

How come some Christians risk their lives to hold snakes? Why do snakes have forked tongues? Do snakes "see" heat? Listen and learn the answers to all...

Siamang

10 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Come learn about a singing, (mostly) monogamous acrobat! Bibliography: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1O9830gFU8gHBDzF70JSwqo-mvwq3dZ7VogcX3rFzDS...

Tardigrade

26 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This microscopic animal can survive in outer space. Find out how and learn about the toughest animal on earth (and off of it) by listening to today's ...

Updates | 4.24.22

24 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Exam season is upon us. Until exams finish, I will be taking a hiatus from the show to focus. Donors, please feel free to pause donations until then; ...

Japanese Spider Crab

27 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This crab could give your car a hug. Come learn about Scottish fairies and fisheries on this episode of Species. Bibliography: https://docs.google.co...

Parasitic Jaeger

06 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

95% of this bird's food is stolen. Come learn about the greatest pirate in the animal kingdom and the largest cash heist in world history on this epis...

How Love Evolved | Dr. Helen Fisher

20 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Why did love evolve? In this episode, we hear from Dr. Helen Fisher about the three different kinds of love, how they benefited our ancestors, and how...

Brown Bear

07 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

They run faster than Usain Bolt, they swim faster than Michael Phelps, they're stronger than Eddie Hall, and they're taller than Yao Ming. Come learn ...

Altruism's Allure

17 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Why do bad animals do good things? In this episode, Macken discusses some of the main reasons why humans do good, and dives into one of the little-kno...

Giant Centipede

27 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Come learn about the biggest centipede on earth, discover their insane hunting habits, and hear two big pieces of news from the millipede world on thi...

Misbehavioral Biology | Dr. David Buss

13 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

When Men Behave Badly: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/david-buss-phd/when-men-behave-badly/9780316419352/ Dr. David Buss is the most refere...

Your Brain Isn't as Big as It Thinks

28 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

What's so special about the human brain? Bibliography: https://docs.google.com/document/d/10525CfbVLmhaWARU6YaXz8ZGG-byTemSKE8C4dPst2w/edit?usp=shari...

Honeyguide

14 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The honeyguide is, perhaps, humanity's oldest friend. We share a symbiotic relationship that is among the most complicated examples of mutualism in na...

Siamese Fighting Fish

24 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

How do you breed betta fish in a US prison? How come betta bubbles don't pop? Why do betta fish gulp air? And what does this have to do with self-defe...

Platypus

10 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome back! Thank you all for your support and patience over the summer. Come learn about what the platypus has in common with sharks, snakes, beave...

The Other Kind of Evolution | Dr. Joe Henrich

08 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Today I sat down with Professor Joe Henrich to discuss what makes our species special—which is, by his lights, culture. Our conversation centers on ...

Slowing down for the summer...

26 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Unfortunately, due to a variety of personal factors, I need to slow down Species to a less-than-weekly schedule, at least until October. This is heart...

Porcupine

11 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Why do porcupines have antibiotics on their quills? Is urination romantic? Can porcupines throw their quills? Find out the answer to all these questio...

Leaf Sheep

28 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

How do plants get energy from the sun, and why are they green? Come learn about a solar-powered slug on this episode of Species.  Bibliography: http...

Black-capped Chickadee

20 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This bird wipes their own memory so they don't starve. Find out all about how they survive Alaskan winters and the perks of forgetfulness on this epis...

Ensatina

13 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Why do these salamanders get their own powerpoint in every biology class? What is a ring species, and what if the animals between us and chimps were s...

Babirusa

06 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Come learn about the possible reasons why the enormous Irish elk went extinct, the conflict between sexual selection and survival, and the orc of the ...

Alligator Snapping Turtle

30 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

It might be more appropriate to call them the alligator-snapping turtle. Come learn about the largest snapping turtle on earth. Bibliography: https:/...

Hooded Pitohui

23 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Poisonous birds are real. Come learn about one on this episode of Species. Bibliography: https://docs.google.com/document/d/14jU3dUvrQbLQLhJC6o4-VQwj...

Hammerhead

17 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Come learn about the heads of hammerhead sharks and find out why a fish would hold their breath underwater.  Bibliography: https://docs.google.com/d...

Human Evolution

16 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

I preview my new 10-lesson audio course, "Human Evolution," on Listenable. Here's the link to listen, the introductory lesson is free: https://frstre...

Jaguar

10 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

If a big cat is going to eat Macken, he hopes it's a jaguar. Find out why, and learn all about this terrifying animal on this episode of Species. Bibl...

Large Blue

02 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This butterfly is a Trojan horse and a Rube Goldberg machine wrapped into one. Come learn about oregano's roundabout way of defending itself on this e...

Malleefowl

25 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Did the washing machine liberate women? Can compost spontaneously combust? Will AI exacerbate inequality? Find out about the malleefowl and (tangentia...

Caecilian

18 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

What's the Code of Hammurabi? If earthworms could write horror movies, what would the monster look like? Come learn about the limbless amphibian who e...

Naked Mole-Rat

11 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This creature brings a whole lot more than nudity to the table. These rats live like ants, and can live without almost anything. Come learn about one ...

Cicada

05 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Why do periodical cicadas lie dormant for 17 years? What are they doing that whole time? And how do they know it's time to come up? My first children'...

Whip-poor-will

29 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Omen of death or benevolent being? Annoyance or lullaby? Come learn about the invisible bird that looks like an owl and hunts like a frog. Bibliograph...

Humuhumunukunukuapuaʻa

22 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Try saying that three times fast. Come learn all about the fish with the longest name, and a bit about nomenclature in general. Bibliography: https:/...

Flying Lemur

15 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

They aren't lemurs, they can't fly, but they're the greatest mammalian gliders on earth and they might be your cousin.  Bibliography: https://docs.g...

Bearded Dragon

08 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Why did beards evolve (in us and these lizards)? Were the lizards in Holes real? Will bearded dragons changing sex decimate the species? Bibliograph...

Sandgrouse

01 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This bird carries home water stashed in their chest feathers. Come learn about the price of water on this episode of Species. Bibliography: https://d...

Lamprey

22 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

It is ridiculous that all the aliens we've made up have jaws. Come find out why, and learn about the fish that lack them. Bibliography: https://docs....

Hamster

15 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Why do hamsters eat their babies? What language calls them "Mr. Saddlebags," and why? Who would win, a hamster or a wasp? Bibliography: https://docs....

Globe Skimmer

08 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

What percentage of the population could you plausibly have a child with? Come learn about a species that may have acheived global panmixia.  Bibliogr...

Harpy Eagle

01 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The biggest eagle on earth (debatably). Come learn about a monster on this episode of Species. Bibliography: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Tl56...

Mudskipper

25 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Come learn about a fish that walks on land and ruins Einstein quotes on this episode of Species. Bibliography: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1eA...

Kangaroo

17 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The slower they go, the harder they work. Learn about why kangaroos hop, why they have pouches, and why they are the weirdest grazing animals on earth...

Boxer Crab

11 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Did humans evolve to punch each other in the face? Are we more violent than ever? This crab uses sea anemones as boxing gloves. Come learn about them....

Rockhopper Penguin

04 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Why did penguins lose the ability to fly? What's up with those yellow eyebrows? Does expertise come at a cost? Find out all of these things and more o...

Remora

27 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

How do suction cups work? Did Caligula get murdered due to remoras? Are remoras good or bad for their hosts? Find out on this episode of Species. Bibl...

Tiger

21 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Who is the most prolific serial killer of all time? How do ligers get so big? Why do tigers have stripes? Find out everything you could possibly want ...

Diabolical Ironclad Beetle

14 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This insect can survive being run over by a Toyota Camry. Here's how... Bibliography: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-HFHQ9iJgTHDQKs8Tl3SzVZYrs2...

Cuckoo

07 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Why do women cheat? Why do cuckoos cosplay as hawks? Why did the merry men of Gotham think they could bring about an endless summer by trapping a cuck...

Bristlemouth

30 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

How do you measure success in the fight for survival? What is the most common vertebrate on earth? Which traits are most useful to an animal's abundan...

Zebra

23 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Why do zebras have stripes? Why don't people ride zebras? Why do zebras kill their babies? Find out on this episode of Species. Bibliography: https:/...

Docility and the Death Penalty | Dr. Richard Wrangham

20 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Richard Wrangham's book, The Goodness Paradox, argues that we humans inadvertently domesticated ourselves using the death penalty. In this convers...

Emerald Cockroach Wasp

15 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

It's good to be afraid. Come learn about the woman who can't feel fear, the roaches who are rendered fearless and the wasp who makes it possible. Warn...

Oxpecker

09 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Today we're going to talk about the (seemingly) mathematically impossible. Come learn about the oxpecker, their relationship with rhinos, and how we k...

Clownfish

01 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Why are clowns scary? If all clownfish are born male, how can they reproduce? How do clownfish survive living inside a sea anemone, and what does the ...

Moose

26 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Why was Thomas Jefferson embarrassed about American animals? Are there moose in New Zealand? What is the only weapon in the universe that doubles as a...

Garter Snake

18 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Come hear about an animal who is full of surprises, and learn about one of the most elaborate acts of deception in the animal kingdom. Register for my...

American Kestrel

11 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This animal has the vision of a video game character, and they glitch like one too. Come hear about the benefits of seeing urine and the hack to hover...

Descent Into Hogwood with Juliet Gellatley

08 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Juliet Gellatley is the founder and director of Viva!, one of the most effective animal rights charities in the world. In this conversation, she sat d...

Swordfish

05 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Why did humans take so long to invent swords? How do swordfish use their swords? Is a swordfish bigger than my whole family? Find out on this episod...

Swamp Rabbit

28 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The biggest cottontail on earth acts like a fictional ninja, and tried to attack a US president. Hear all about them on this episode of Species.  ...

Leafcutter Ant

21 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

You've heard of ant farms; this is the ant who farms. Come learn about the real inventors of agriculture and their remarkable similarities to oursel...

Arctic Tern

14 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Come hear about the longest migration on earth, and get your answers to these important questions: What is the world record for the longest distance w...

Dragonfish

06 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Why are material scientists fascinated by this creature's teeth? How come old maps had drawings of monsters on them, and were those beasts real? Wha...

Gorilla

30 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

How strong are gorillas, and how do they get jacked eating salad? Can gorillas learn language? Why don't wild gorillas pass the mirror test? Are gor...

Cane Toad

24 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Come discover the wisdom of Frankenstein, hear about one of the worst mistakes in the history of our species, and learn everything there is to know ...

Eleonora's Falcon

17 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This animal is one of the cruelest predators on earth. Come learn about the cannibal bird that imprisons their prey on this episode of Species. Biblio...

Sandfly

10 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Could we stop flies from spreading diseases by letting them eat cannabis? How many species of insect are there? Why do sandflies drink blood? Come fin...

Yak

03 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Today, we're talking about the wooly cow. Come listen and learn about their adaptations to the cold, the extinction of Pleistocene megafauna, and the ...

PETA President & Founder, Ingrid Newkirk

30 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Today I spoke with Ingrid Newkirk, one of the most influential people in the history of the animal rights movement. Ingrid has advocated for animals f...

Whiptail Lizard

27 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Males are dispensable. Come learn about the costs and benefits of asexual reproduction and the all-female lizards who perform amputations on themselve...

Pelican

20 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Why do two separate cultures believe the penguin feeds their children with a blood ritual? Can a pelican's beak hold more than their belican? How many...

Wood Frog

13 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This frog survives freezing to death. Come learn about cryonics, what cold is, terminal burrowing, and more on this episode of Species. Bibliography ...

Blue Whale

06 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

How did blue whales evolve to be so big? What can whale earwax teach us about whale emotions? Do blue whales have long-distance relationships? Come le...

Starfish

29 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Do you need a brain to think? Come learn about an animal that eats inside-out and sees with their arms on this bizarre episode of Species.   Bib...

Vampire Finch

22 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Come learn about a blood-sucking bird, solve a few mysteries, and find out more about the history of evolutionary theory on this episode of Species. ...

Sturgeon

15 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

A gargantuan remnant of the Jurassic lives on in a Russian river... Come learn about a candidate for the largest freshwater fish of all time on this e...

Hyena

08 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Why do female hyenas have penises? Are hyenas cats or dogs? Do hyenas eat humans, and what should I do if hyenas are terrorizing my city? Find out al...

Leatherback Sea Turtle

01 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This animal is bolder than a shark, and tougher than your boat. Come hear a crazy story, learn everything we know about the biggest turtle in the wor...

Roadrunner

25 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Do roadrunner's footprints ward off evil spirits? Does this animal have solar panels? Do they really make a "beep beep" sound? How fast can they go, a...

Porcupinefish

17 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Come listen and learn about the science of inflatable fish on this episode of Species. Bibliography