In July 2008, the carcass of an animal washed up on the beach at Montauk Point Long Island. Local beachcombers are used to seeing dead animals. Seagulls, fish, crabs, even the occasional whale. But they had never seen anything like this.
Animal experts were brought in to identify it. They were stumped. It looked like part dog, part reptile and part rodent - ... Show More
Jun 1
The Basement: Joseph Matheny | The Man Who Hacked Reality Before the Internet Existed
For a limited time, our listeners get 50% off FOR LIFE, Free Shipping, AND 3 Free Gifts at Mars Men at https://Mengotomars.com. Get 25% off Cowboy Colostrum with code WHYFILES at https://cowboycolostrum.com/WHYFILES. Joseph Matheny invented something in 1989 that nobody had a nam ... Show More
2h 53m
May 2022
Jack Ashby, "Platypus Matters: The Extraordinary Story of Australian Mammals" (U Chicago Press, 2022)
Think of a platypus: they lay eggs (that hatch into so-called platypups), they produce milk without nipples and venom without fangs and they can detect electricity. Or a wombat: their teeth never stop growing, they poo cubes and they defend themselves with reinforced rears. Platy ... Show More
49m 43s
Jun 2019
6. Easter Island - Where Giants Walked
On one of the world’s most isolated islands, hundreds of vast stone statues lie mouldering in the grass. In this episode, we take a look at one of archaeology’s most enduring puzzles: the mystery of Easter Island. Find out how this unique community grew up in complete isolation, ... Show More
1h 43m
Apr 2021
Saving the world's rarest marine mammal
In this episode, we’re delving into the topic of extinction. We'll be finding out about some of the animals who are critically endangered, meeting the people trying to rescue them, and exploring species who may be able to make miraculous comebacks.Perhaps one of the most endanger ... Show More
32m 7s
Feb 2024
Le massacre des Rhytines de Steller (et des Dodos)
<p>Une étrange créature est découverte en 1741 dans le Pacifique Nord, une sorte de vache de mer. Elle est nommée "Rhytine de Steller", prenant le nom du naturaliste de l'équipage, Georg Wilhelm Steller. Un quart de siècle plus tard (seulement !), cette espèce a été complètement ... Show More
3m 55s
Jun 2024
The Revenge of the Whales
In the middle of the Pacific Ocean, in 1819, Owen Chase is standing on a slowly sinking ship. It's just been headbutted by an 85 foot whale. It's taking in water. And now the creature is coming back for another go. This is a whaling ship, and Chase is convinced that he observes " ... Show More
38m 6s