EPISODE · Mar 6, 2025 · 41 MIN
2025-03-07 A World Without WINGS!
from What The If? · host Philip Shane, Matt Stanley, Gabrielle Paniccia
In a world where no creature ever evolved wings, island ecosystems would be barren wastelands, Darwin might never have filled his bathtub with broccoli, and wars might be less explosive due to the absence of bird guano for making gunpowder. Explore an Earth where dragonflies never buzzed, butterflies never fluttered, and humans might have focused exclusively on land speed instead of aerospace. From the philosophical implications of never seeing flight in action to the surprisingly massive ecological importance of flying poop-dispersers, this episode dives into the cascading consequences of a planet permanently grounded. This thought-provoking "what if" scenario was suggested by listener Steve Scalici. Find out more about how to march in support of American science by visiting https://standupforscience2025.org --- Find out more about Gaby's science fiction short story! Here are the links for the anthology. The physical copy can be ordered here : https://www.neonhemlock.com/books/luminescent-machinations-queer-tales-of-monumental-invention The ebook can be ordered here: https://www.neonhemlock.com/ebooks/luminescent-machinations-queer-tales-of-monumental-invention
What this episode covers
In a world where no creature ever evolved wings, island ecosystems would be barren wastelands, Darwin might never have filled his bathtub with broccoli, and wars might be less explosive due to the absence of bird guano for making gunpowder. Explore an Earth where dragonflies never buzzed, butterflies never fluttered, and humans might have focused exclusively on land speed instead of aerospace. From the philosophical implications of never seeing flight in action to the surprisingly massive ecological importance of flying poop-dispersers, this episode dives into the cascading consequences of a planet permanently grounded. This thought-provoking "what if" scenario was suggested by listener Steve Scalici. Find out more about how to march in support of American science by visiting https://standupforscience2025.org --- Find out more about Gaby's science fiction short story! Here are the links for the anthology. The physical copy can be ordered here : https://www.neonhemlock.com/books/luminescent-machinations-queer-tales-of-monumental-invention The ebook can be ordered here: https://www.neonhemlock.com/ebooks/luminescent-machinations-queer-tales-of-monumental-invention
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2025-03-07 A World Without WINGS!
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