Life, Death, and Taxonomy

Going after prey that's larger than you can be dangerous… now, when that prey also has thousands of friends nearby, it's truly a fools gambit… But what if you could yoink a single soldier away from her platoon at blistering speeds? Then you'd have a much easier time in Life Death and Taxonomy.

“…and today we’re talking about an ant that is-ant… but more on that later.” Somewhere between a plush toy and the insect version of a honey badger lies the velvet ant. This borderline cute cluster of pom pom balls glued together hides a surprisingly complicated security system behind its pizazz. Bright colors, weird noises, suspicious […]

“…and today we’re talking about a deep diving elephant. But more on that later.” The deeper you go in the ocean, the more alien it becomes… crushing pressure and oppressive darkness… It’s no place for a rotund mammal that spends several months of the year on land… but there’s food down there, and fewer things […]

“…and today we’re talking about a modern insulator… but more on that inso-later.” Description of the Foam Nest Tree Frog Measure Up Welcome to the beloved Measure Up segment. The official listener’s favorite part of the show! The part of the show when we present the animal’s size and dimension in relatable terms through a […]

“And today we’re talking about the fastest animal alive. But more on that later.” Speed is a key stat in the animal kingdom… the peregrine falcon, the cheetah, and the sailfish all have their speed superlatives… but one bug doesn’t need to be the fastest flyer, sprinter, or swimmer… he just needs to be fastest […]