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[Antarctic Midges and Insect Wonders: A 'Two Whats and a Wow' Adventure]-[Two Whats?! And A Wow! - Lightning Bug Lighting (Encore - 12/31/21)]

Wow in the World · B1 · 2021-12-31

Preschool Enlightenment
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📋 Summary

Exploring the World of Insects: A 'Two Whats and a Wow' Special

In this episode of Wow in the World, hosts Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz engage listeners with their signature blend of humor, environmental consciousness, and scientific curiosity. The episode centers on their popular game show segment, "Two Whats and a Wow," focusing specifically on the fascinating world of insects.

The Scientific Challenge: Separating Facts from Fiction

The core of the episode features a trivia challenge where listeners must identify the single "true scientific wow" among three statements regarding insect biology and history. The statements provided were:

  1. Statement A: There is only one kind of insect in Antarctica.
  2. Statement B: At the time of dinosaurs, insects were even smaller than they are today.
  3. Statement C: Some crickets are born pregnant.

Unveiling the "Winning Wow"

After a brief period for listeners to ponder, Mindy and Guy Raz reveal that Statement A is the true scientific marvel. The insect in question is the Antarctic midge. According to the hosts, this resilient creature is the only insect capable of braving the extreme freezing temperatures of the Antarctic. The midge has evolved unique survival mechanisms, including the ability to remain "frozen solid" for roughly nine months of the year and surviving for nearly a month without oxygen.

Debunking the "Whats"

The hosts also clarified the inaccuracies behind the other two statements:

  • Regarding Insect Size (Statement B): Contrary to the idea that insects were smaller in the past, the hosts explain that "giant bugs were actually common on Earth" millions of years ago. As a point of comparison, they note that an ancestor of the modern-day dragonfly possessed a wingspan of 25 inches (65 centimeters), whereas contemporary dragonflies typically have wingspans of only two to five inches.
  • Regarding Cricket Reproduction (Statement C): While the statement about crickets was false, the hosts shared a surprising biological fact: "aphid nymphs can be born pregnant." These young insects are capable of giving birth when they are only about 10 days old, a phenomenon that Mindy emphasizes is truly a "wow."

Encouraging Scientific Inquiry: Operation Insect Inspector

To wrap up the episode, Mindy and Guy Raz launch "Operation Insect Inspector," a call to action for young listeners to engage in "field research." They encourage children to visit outdoor spaces like backyards or local parks to observe bugs in their natural habitats. By documenting their findings—such as movement patterns, physical appearance, and sounds—in a notebook, the hosts hope to foster a deeper appreciation for the scientific process.

Upcoming Milestones

The episode concludes with exciting announcements for the Wow in the World community, including a special guest appearance by Elmo on November 24th and the celebration of the show's 250th episode on December 1st, which will be a "musical" celebration. Through these segments, the show continues its mission of making science accessible, educational, and entertaining for "Wowzers" everywhere.

🎯Key Sentences

1
I think I might have got you beat.
2
Hold on a sec.
3
I thought what better way to conserve energy
4
their schedule was clear.
5
don't you think it's a little loud
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📝Key Phrases

1
music to your ears
2
get on with the show
3
hold on a sec
4
I might have got you beat
5
out of work
Expand All

📖 Transcript

Grownups, Wondery Plus subscribers can listen to Wow in the World early and ad-free right now.
Join Wondery Plus in the Wondery app or Wondery Kids Plus on Apple Podcasts.
Hey, Wowzer fans, Mindy here.
And before we start the show, I gotta let you know that this November, with a special new episode featuring our friends at Circle Round and Terrestrials on Radiolab for Kids,
And don't miss when Elmo from Sesame Street stops by Wow in the World to make us all belly laugh on November 24th.
Oh, but that's not all, Reg.

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