logo
episode-header-image
Jul 27
6m 38s

BrainStuff Classics: Why Are Opossums Aw...

iHeartPodcasts
About this episode

They eat trash and they look a little freaky, but the North American opossum is a smart, clean, disease-fighting, and all-around fascinating creature. Learn why in this classic episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/mammals/opossums-so-darn-ugly-theyre-adorable.htm

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Up next
Today
Why Are Truffles So Expensive?
Truffles are fungi that grow underground, are almost exclusively foraged, and taste best extremely fresh. Learn about truffle biology, truffle flavoring, and truffle crime in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://recipes.howstuffworks.com/truffles.htmSee omny ... Show More
10m 27s
Yesterday
How Do Alligator Snapping Turtles Work?
This positively prehistoric-looking freshwater turtle is the largest in North America -- and it catches fish by wiggling a worm-like lure. Learn more about alligator snappers in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/reptiles/alligato ... Show More
7m 25s
Aug 5
Did Victorians Really Have a Language of Flowers?
In floriography, flowers and other plants are associated with meanings or sentiments (like physical emoji) -- but could you really send a message with a bouquet? Learn about the fad of floriography in Victorian England in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https:/ ... Show More
10m 48s
Recommended Episodes
Oct 2024
Selects: Porcupines: Little Stabby Cutie Pies
We love animals. A lot. Especially underrated ones like the darling porcupine. Listen in to this classic episode to learn all about these stabby little boogers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 
40m 12s
Aug 2024
Short Stuff: Chupacabra
What in the world is a chupacabra? Is it even real or is it the stuff of legend? Listen in to find out. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 
12m 25s
Dec 2024
Short Stuff: Joro Spiders
These invasive spiders are everywhere these days. But how did they get to the USA and are they harmful?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 
12m 11s
Aug 9
From the Vault: Blood Squirting From the Lizard’s Eye, Part 1
In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe discuss the curious biology of North America’s horned lizard – especially their ability to squirt blood from their eyes – as well as some culture and history surrounding their existence. (originally published 8/13 ... Show More
43m 36s
Jul 2
3D-printed fake wasps help explain bad animal mimicry
In this episode:00:45 Why animals evolve to be imperfect mimicsMany harmless animals mimic dangerous ones to avoid being eaten, but often this fakery is inaccurate. To help explain why evolution sometimes favours imperfect mimicry, a team 3D printed a range of imaginary insects. ... Show More
27m 19s
Oct 2024
Kudzu: The Vine That Just Won't Stop
If you're from the American South, then kudzu is something that cannot be avoided. But how did this invasive species get here and why does it love to consume everything in its path?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 
39m 10s
Jun 2024
The Charismatic Capybara
National Capybara Appreciation Day is just around the corner! To celebrate, Rick and Marco speak with Senior Wildlife Care Specialist Kimberly Hyde to find out more about the world’s largest rodent. This South American water-loving mammal might be known for its cuteness factor, b ... Show More
18m 38s
Nov 2024
SMNTY Classics: Prey
The hunt is on with the 2022 Predator prequel film Prey. This sci-fi horror movie honed into so much more, from language, skill, gender norms and the dreaded Mary-Sue. Bonus discussion of Coco the chaos dog in this classic episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informati ... Show More
45m 55s
Aug 7
Listener Mail: The Lead-Crime Hypothesis, Space Pancakes of Eagle River, Nurses and Super Smell, Alien Observation and More
K prompts an exploration of the theory that lead exposure created a crime wave -- and possibly explains how this may have created a rash of serial killers. Easy E shares first hand experience as a nurse who can smell not only death, but dozens of other conditions. Flea wonders wh ... Show More
48m 50s
Jun 2024
How are alligators and crocodiles different?
People think alligators and crocodiles are really scary - and lots of people don’t understand the difference between them. But wildlife biologist Venetia Briggs-Gonzalez says they are very cool and helps us get to the bottom of their distinctive qualities! Got a Moment of Um ques ... Show More
4m 37s
Listen to millions of songs and podcasts on Anghami