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[The Science of Scents: How Earthlings Smell and Why They Stink]-[WeWow Earth Week Day 4: Cleaning Up!]

Wow in the World · B1 · 2022-04-21

Preschool Enlightenment
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📋 Summary

Exploring Earth’s Olfactory Wonders: From Stinky Defenses to Super Sniffers

In this episode of Wow in the World and the special Flip and Mosey’s Guide to How to Be an Earthling travelogue, listeners are taken on a sensory journey to understand the dual nature of smell on Earth: creatures that emit powerful odors and those that possess extraordinary olfactory capabilities.

The Dual Nature of Smell

As the hosts Flip and Mosey discover, the word "smell" can be a source of confusion. It refers both to the biological sense of detecting odors—what scientists call the "olfactory" sense—and the act of emitting an odor. While Mosey initially mistakes the episode's focus for a critique of his own questionable perfume, Cragnal number 5.975, the show pivots to a fascinating exploration of how animals use scent to navigate, hunt, and survive.

Nature’s Defensive Aromas

Many animals have evolved to use strong odors as a "defense mechanism." The episode highlights several unique creatures:

  • The Bombardier Beetle: This insect uses a chemical spray to ward off predators. As noted in the show, the beetle "squirt[s] a hot, stinky spray out of their backsides when they get excited."
  • The Millipede: Similar to the beetle, the millipede "secretes a fluid that emits a strong odor when it feels threatened," serving as a deterrent against potential chasers.
  • The Hoatzin (Stinkbird): Unlike the others, the Hoatzin's smell is a byproduct of its unique digestive system. Because it eats a diet consisting almost exclusively of leaves, its fermentation process results in a scent often compared to "cow poop."

The Surprising World of Olfactory Skills

Beyond defense, scent is a vital tool for survival. The show introduces guests who demonstrate the power of a keen nose:

  • The Kiwi: As a flightless bird with a "very sensitive" nose, the kiwi uses its beak to detect predators from miles away.
  • The Snake: Perhaps the most unusual "smeller," the snake uses its tongue to "sense the chemicals in the air." By flicking its tongue, the snake collects air particles, which are then processed by a special organ on the roof of its mouth.
  • The Black Bear: Holding the title for the strongest sense of smell among land animals, the black bear is estimated to be "seven times better than a dog," capable of detecting food from over 18 miles away.

The Binturong’s Popcorn Secret

One of the most delightful revelations is the Binturong, or "bear cat." While it is a mammal that marks its territory, it doesn't emit a foul odor. Instead, its scent is famously described as smelling like "hot buttered popcorn." This unexpected aroma is a perfect example of how scent plays a functional, yet surprising, role in the animal kingdom.

Conclusion: A Planet of Scents

The episode concludes with three key travel tips for understanding Earthlings: some creatures stink for defense, others are master sniffers for survival, and the English language can be tricky, as words like "smell" often have multiple, sometimes confusing, meanings. Through these field reports and scientific insights, listeners are encouraged to appreciate the invisible, aromatic world that surrounds them every day.

🎯Key Sentences

1
It's going to be a November to remember.
2
I've always wanted to hunt for scavengers.
3
If you say so.
4
So keep your eyes peeled.
5
I have to admit they are very sweet and cuddly looking.
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📝Key Phrases

1
music to your ears
2
a step ahead of you
3
keep your eyes peeled
4
in the right frame of mind
5
tone it down
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📖 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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