Life, Death, and Taxonomy

“…and today we are talking about the banshee of Bhutan, the Specter of Sikkim. But more on that later.” It’s cloudy with a chance of leopards here in the jungle, so you’d better have an umbrella and keep your eyes on the skies. The clouded leopard is at home in the trees, and with good […]

“…and today we’re talking monkey business. But more on that later.” Imagine climbing your way to the top of your social order. You’ve made alliances with the right factions and formed a powerful coalition. Now it’s up to you to lead your troop to defend your territory and resources. It’s not the story of an […]

“…and today we’re talking about a baleful beast that lives in a silken lair. But more on that later.” When it comes to venom, every drop counts. No one knows this better than the funnel web spider, one of the world’s deadliest eight-legged freaks. This is definitely one arachnid you don’t want to annoy, since […]

“…and today we’re talking about a tiny Lincoln in a Tiny cabin. But more on that later.” Humans have long desired to sit by a warm hearth, with a roof over their head, protected from the elements. Shelter is not a yearn unique to humans. All kinds of animals burrow and build to keep the […]

“…and today we’re talking about an animal that is takin care of business. But more on that later.” In the Himalayas, you might be surprised to see a goat moose bear cow gazelle scuttling around the rocks. The takin is an odd-looking beast whose elusive nature and gleaming fur possibly inspired a well-known ancient Greek […]

“…and today we’re talking about a fig’s friend for real. But more on that later.” Foxes have holes, birds have nests, and wasps have figs? Figs have been a staple of the human diet for thousands of years, but we share that culinary attraction with an unlikely friend: a wasp. The appropriately named fig wasp […]

“…and today we’re talking about the grumpiest cephalopod in the sea. More on that later.” Brains and digestive systems are linked just like all systems in the body are linked. But with the strange tube-like body shape of the giant squid, these two systems need to be a bit closer than they’d like. When you’re […]

“…and today we’re talking about a predator that gives Mouse Dutch Schafer a run for his money. More on that later.” In the heart of the woodlands, across open fields, and even in bustling urban environments, a folkloric presence reigns supreme. The red fox’s fiery coat and wily spirit have earned it a place in […]

“…and today we’re talking about a tiny little steed. But more on that later.” Out here in the wild wild west of… let me check my notes… Yucatan Mexico. That’s not very West. Well, out here in the wild wild… East, you won’t get too far without your trusty saddle as well as your trusty […]

“Today we are talking about a vampire that glitters in the sunlight, as if you could outswim it… But more on that later.” In the shadowy depths of the mighty Amazon River, a tiny monster veiled in murky water searches for its next sanguine feast. The Candiru fish is a creature that has both intrigued […]

“…and today we’re talking about a spider in the last place you’d think to look for one. But more on that later.” In the coldest regions of the Arctic ocean, the depths harbor strange and alien life. Normally, living things take breathing for granted. Lungs, gills, trachea, it’s all about moving that sweet sweet oxygen […]

“…and today we’re talking about a shark that isn’t as smooth as it sounds, but it is hot. But more on that later.” In this housing market, sometimes you find yourself living in some unlikely places. But some silk sharks live in a place that is slightly more challenging than a three-story walk up with […]

Merry Christmas, Taxonomy Titans! Carlos and I are currently enjoying Christmas cheer with our friends and family. If you find yourself driving, baking, or doing a task requiring some interesting animal information, here’s a throwback to our Christmasiest episode ever—about reindeer! If you’d like to give us a Christmas present this year, consider joining our […]

“…And today we are talking about an animal that is perpetually in 3rd grade. But less on that later.” The plains of Africa are home to a lot of pretty strange-looking animals. I mean, have you really thought about how weird a giraffe is? But one chimeric beast would definitely leave you scratching your head […]

“…and today we’re talking about a fashion icon that is more interested in function over form. But more on that later.” Few looks in nature are as iconic as a plains zebra’s stripes. But these savannah equines rarely think about fashion, so these stripes must have a function beyond their form. You may think you […]

“…and today we’re talking about the Charlie Chaplin of chickens. But more on that later.” In the wide open plains of Saskatchewan, a bulky pheasant puts on a very interesting display. The Greater Sage Grouse male is equipped with some unique tools to let the ladies know he’s got the gains on the plains. The […]

“…and today we’re talking about a tiny animal that likes oil, but not the kind that comes from olives. But more on that later.” Warning: Learning about this animal might give you the heebie jeebies or more likely a nervous itch. If you or the kids are sensitive to that, viewer discretion is advised.  What […]

“…and today…yeah, we’re talking about a really beautiful animal… But more on that later.” They say sarcasm is the lowest form of wit, but you need more than wit to stake your claim in the animal kingdom. The ocean is a vast place, so you wouldn’t think that finding a place to live would be […]

“…and today we are talking about a rip van winkle for the ages. But more on that later.” What if you could talk to someone from thousands of years ago? What could they tell you about the world and what it was like to navigate through it? Researchers in Siberia are asking similar questions. Unfortunately, […]

“…and today we are talking about an ant that is absolutely canceled. But more on that later.” In Pixar’s A Bug’s Life, the ants are the good guys, but studying ants shows that ants aren’t exactly on the right side of history. If you didn’t already know that the bug world was a brutal one, […]

“…and today we are talking about some sleepy mountain rodents, but more on that later.” If your circumstances are difficult, sometimes it helps to sleep on it. When you wake up, you’ll feel renewed and ready to tackle life’s challenges. That’s exactly what the yellow bellied marmot does, and his biggest problem is winter. But […]

“…and today we’re talking about an assertive insertive fish in the sea. But more on that later.” The ocean is full of situations where animals work together toward a common goal. Whether it’s finding food, fighting off predators, or setting up a place to live, it’s important to pick your underwater teammate carefully. However, while […]

“…and today we’re talking about a boss that puts the team on his back. But more on that later.” In everyday life, it’s often necessary to wear many different hats. You’re a student, an employee, a parent, and more. In nature, it’s no different. While it’s rare for animals to wear actual hats, the sponge […]

“…and today we’re talking about an arboreal ignoramus. But more on that later.” Way out in the land down under, a famous little gray puff gremlin spends its days as a literal tree-hugger. Like its equally famous black and white counterpart in China, the Panda, the Koala is a threatened cutie that eats terribly, sleeps […]

“…and today we’re talking about a tiny barrel in the sea. But more on that later.” Humans, like many animals, go through a familiar generational cycle. Your parents made you and their parents made them. But when you look closer, so close you can see the tiny things floating in the sea, things start to […]

“…and today we’re talking about an ice cold krill killer. But more on that later.” The trend of swimming in cold water for health benefits is doggy paddling its way into the public zeitgeist. But what if you absolutely had to live in freezing waters in order to survive? The crocodile icefish lives up to […]

“And today we’re talking about a reptile that’s coming in our state trying to take our rabbits! But more on that later…” A “fish out of water” is someone who feels out of place because their surroundings are not suitable for their designed purpose. The Burmese python is out of place in Florida, but, unfortunately, […]

“…and today we’re talking about the most popular villain of nursery rhymes. But more on that later.” Pack leader. Top dog. Dominant male. Head honcho. Alpha male. It’s a common misconception that wolves fight for dominance within their packs to see who becomes and stays the alpha wolf. But that doesn’t mean packs don’t have […]

“…and today we are talking about an animal whose mind commands the body to roll and it obeys. But more on that later.” Members of the animal kingdom know that survival is the ability to swim in strange water–and sometimes that water is sand. Sand is coarse and rough and gets everywhere, but many animals, […]

“…and today we’re talking about spicy calamari, but not really. More on that later.” When you’re a teeny tiny cerulean cephalopod in a big bad cephalopod’s world, you need to have some tricks up all eight of your sleeves. The blue-ringed octopus’s diminutive form hides a deadly secret to deter predators that may want to […]

“…and today we’re talking about something with a name that sounds like it could be a fish, bird, or flower. But more on that later…” Butterflies are truly one of God’s gifts of nature. A creature that sports brilliant colors, flutters around gracefully, and dines only on the nectar provided by beautiful flowers. But there’s […]

“…and today we’re talking about an Olympic-level bug. But more on that later.” “Jack, be nimble. Jack, be quick. Jack jumps over the candle stick.” Jumping over a whole candle stick might be an easy proposition for a young boy named Jack, but it’s a much different feat for a tiny ant. The Jack jumper […]

“…and today we’re talking about a crustacean that’s coming for your rice crispy treats. But more on that later.”  What if you lived in a place that was sometimes uninhabitable for years? You’d have to prepare for the lean years. In fact, you’d need a bunker. Such is the way of the tadpole shrimp. They […]

“…and today we’re talking about the cousin of an alumni. But more on that later.” Deep in the water where no fish hang out lives a glum, gloomy swimmer with some ever-present clout. The hadal snailfish lives where pretty much nothing else can live – the hadal zone. The pressure and temperature of the water […]

“…and today we’re talking about the wolfpack of the sky. But more on that later.” Now this is the Law of the desert— as blue and as vast as the sky; And the Wolf that shall keep it may prosper, like the birds that hunt as they fly?  The family that hunts together, eats together. […]

“…and today we’re talking about a sea creature that somebody at some point apparently thought was quite attractive. But more on that later.” The coral reefs of the shallow tropics are home to a wide variety of dazzling displays, but none so alluring as the vibrant dance of the sexy shrimp. From its colorful home […]

“…and today we’re talking about the cold-blooded king of the jungle. But more on that later.” Everyone knows that a true king must wear a crown. In the jungles of Southeast Asia, the kingly crown isn’t a mane but a hood. The King Cobra is an infamous monarch who uses his regal headwear to intimidate […]

“…and today we’re talking about a ghoulish ground bird. But more on that later.” Description Males are black, and females are gray with brown streaks. They have squat bodies like a typical finch. Their beaks are short, sharp, and curved slightly downward. Some have orange or partially orange beaks. Measure Up Welcome to the beloved […]

“And today we are talking about sea critters with their own clear, plastic-looking straw. But more on that later.” Humans are social creatures, but we aren’t the only ones. Gregarious animals hang out together, especially during mating seasons. But what if you are both sedentary and gregarious, which is another way to say a friendly […]

“…and today we’re talking about a slimy little yellow guy. But more on that later.” So we know how animals make more animals, but how do plants make more plants? With the help of animals, of course! Whether it’s spreading seeds on the ground or getting animals to eat them, plants have a unique way […]

“…and today we’re talking about a master thief who is the king of trash mountain. But more on that later.” A generalist has a general wish To bandit with reckless abandon. Bird eggs, crumb cakes, delicious fried fish… Dining fine? Easier said than done. A cunning mind will help raccoons find The dishes to delight […]

“…and today we were talking about Captain America of the sea with similar headwear. But more on that later.” Description of the Winghead Shark Grey and white hammerhead shark. The shark cuts a thin, torpedo-shaped silhouette with a large dorsal and caudal fin. They have a pronounced hammer with a larger wingspan than your typical […]

“…and today we’re talking about what KJV onliest thinks ancient Hebrews made themselves bald as. But more on that later.” To soar sorely is such a bore. A raptor up high has a real chore. Hunting for prey far down below, Is a bald eagle’s typical M.O. But how can they fly for so long, […]

“…and today we’re talking about the swamp’s angriest stone. But more on that later.” As if you needed another reason not to go traipsing around the swamps of the American South, the alligator snapping turtle brings a few hundred pounds of armored power to the equation. But swamps aren’t really known for having crystal clear […]

“…and today we’re talking about the specter of the Sundarbans. But more on that later.” How can black and orange go unseen In a place of vertical green? The world’s most immense panthera Can hide among the Themeda. Though it likes meat held up by hooves You may have a taste it approves. It’s a […]

“…and today we’re talking about a bird that would make a terrible nickname. But more on that later.” In the valley of the dry bones, God showed Ezekiel his power over life and death by breathing life into the long desiccated skeletons that lay there in the valley. But for birds, breathing life into your […]

“…and today we’re talking about a primate with its finger on the pulse of the forest. But more on that later.” Once upon a drizzling Madagascar night, a small insect awoke, focusing his sight. While nestled safe in his place of bamboo peace, a sound disturbed him and it would not cease. All of a […]

“…and today we’re talking about carb-eating beetles that scoff at the mere mention of the keto diet. But more on that later.” Finding a solution to an invasive species is rarely an easy task. But when Americans’ cereal is at stake, it’s time for drastic action. The cereal leaf beetle is a serious problem for […]

“…and today we’re talking about a frog that sticks to its plans. But more on that later.” For most creatures, finding a mate is a top priority–up there with getting a good meal. But the common rain frog is a funny shape that makes the mating season a bit awkward–and that shape is round. How […]

“…and today we’re talking about a crustacean that appears as if it comes pre-deep fried. But more on that later.” The true master of disguise is able to use their environment to their advantage. Just like a cold war era Russian spy, you want to blend in with the locals if you want to avoid […]