No matter what career stage you are in- maybe you just stumbled upon this blog, or maybe your works are being cited in it- vision is arguably the most critical sense for anyone intent on becoming a scientist. We are constantly reading, writing, attending seminars, peering through microscopes, and using our eyes in countless other ways to absorb as much as possible about historical and current trends in our field.
How can one alleviate some pressure from this overtaxed sense while continuing to take in facts and ideas? Auditory learning! Here are some great learning resources to deepen your understanding of urban evolutionary biology while escaping from a screen on an exercise break or commute. Most of these resources are fitting for those at the early stages of their scientific careers or curious minds from any field.
Podcasts
“Evolution Talk”
If you’re looking for a beginner-level refresher on the foundations of evolutionary biology, this podcast series is for you. Produced by Rick Coste for a general audience, this theatrical podcast provides short (~10 minute) snippets explaining the concepts and historical moments that have determined how we view evolutionary biology today. Topics include mitochondrial eve, genetic drift, and convergent evolution. Kid-friendly.
“Carl Zimmer on Evolution in the Big City”
In this Scientific American podcast, host Steve Mirsky chats with science journalist Carl Zimmer about some instances of urban evolution occurring in polluted waterways, urban parks, and hospitals. This entertaining 20-minute episode also provides insight about the challenges of urban field work.
Lectures
“Urban Evolution”
This talk at Edge.org by Dr. Jonathan Losos explores the fascinating concept of rapid evolution in the context of urban evolutionary biology. Great for those seeking an introduction to urban evolution. Unintentional honks and city noises in the background really bring this 40-minute talk to life. Bonus: a reference to the much-loved New York pizza rat.
“Evolution in the Anthropocene: Population Genomics of NYC Wildlife”
Radio broadcasts
“Darwin Comes To Town: How The Urban Jungle Drives Evolution”
In this episode of the Irish national public radio program “Mooney Goes Wild”, Dr. Menno Schilthuizen describes some of the amazing ways that wildlife is adapting to city life featured in his new book, “Darwin Comes To Town: How The Urban Jungle Drives Evolution”. At just over 20 minutes long, this episode would be great accompanying a short walk and is suitable for a wide audience. This is just one of many great radio interviews about this fantastic new book.
“Please Explain: Urban Evolution”
WNYC’s Leonard Lopate converses with Drs. Jason Munshi-South and Rob Dunn about their research on city-dwelling white-footed mice and ants. This 30-minute episode also includes colorful discussion on a variety of topics sparked by call-in listeners.
What are your favorite auditory science resources? Know of any particularly good podcasts or radio interviews about urban evolution? Let us know in the comments or keep the discussion going on Twitter!
- Why Participate in Science Communication? + Urban Evolution Teaching Resource - June 9, 2020
- Urban Observation of the Week: Zombies! Brains! Fungi! - October 30, 2019
- What is the “Indoor Biome”? - September 3, 2019
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