Big Picture Science - The X-Flies
Insect populations are
declining. But before you say “good riddance,” consider that insects are the
cornerstone of many ecosystems. They are dinner for numerous animal species and
are essential pollinators. Mammals are loved, but they are not
indispensable. Insects are.
Meanwhile, marvel at
the extraordinary capabilities of some insects. The zany aerial maneuvers
of the fly are studied by pilots. And, contrary to the bad press,
cockroaches are very clean creatures. Also, take a listen as we host some
Madagascar hissing cockroaches in our studio (yes, they audibly hiss).
Plus, how insects
first evolved … and the challenges in controlling lethal ones. Are
genetically-engineering mosquitoes the best way to combat malaria?
Guests:
- Erica McAlister – Entomologist, Senior Curator of diptera in the Department of Entomology, Natural History Museum in London, author of “The Secret Life of Flies”
- Jessica Ware – Evolutionary biologist and entomologist at Rutgers University
- Anthony James – Vector biologist, University of California, Irvine
- Lauren Esposito – Arachnologist, California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco
This repeat podcast was previously released on March 19, 2018
Download podcast at - http://bigpicturescience.org/episodes/x-flies
You
can listen to this and other episodes at http://bigpicturescience.org/, and
be sure to check out Blog Picture Science,
the companion blog to the radio show.
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