EPISODE · Apr 17, 2026 · 54 MIN
Why this biologist loves unpopular animals, and more…
from Quirks and Quarks
We tend to think of animals like snakes, rats and even cockroaches as pests, but in her new book, biologist Marlene Zuk says there's a lot we can learn from these less than desirable creatures, if we just give them a chance.PLUS:A case of mistaken identity: The truth about the world's 'oldest' octopus fossilFrom the archives: Carl Sagan on the worlds beyond our solar systemThe evolutionary cost of our relationship with fireWe're not speaking as much as we used to — and scientists are concerned
What this episode covers
We tend to think of animals like snakes, rats and even cockroaches as pests, but in her new book, biologist Marlene Zuk says there's a lot we can learn from these less than desirable creatures, if we just give them a chance.PLUS:A case of mistaken identity: The truth about the world's 'oldest' octopus fossilFrom the archives: Carl Sagan on the worlds beyond our solar systemThe evolutionary cost of our relationship with fireWe're not speaking as much as we used to — and scientists are concerned
NOW PLAYING
Why this biologist loves unpopular animals, and more…
No transcript for this episode yet
Similar Episodes
Mar 26, 2026 ·1m
Mar 19, 2026 ·34m
Feb 18, 2026 ·11m
Feb 11, 2026 ·45m