A selection of animals with very different brains. Clockwise from top left; Barn own (Tyto alba), a human (Homo sapiens), a Commissarisi’s Long tongued bat (Glossophaga commissarisi), and a red squirrel (Scirius vulgaris). (All images: Wikimedia commons)
What’s so different about human speech?
Despite a remarkably close genetic heritage, our capacity to articulate sounds and understand complex symbols is a ‘quantum leap’ beyond the capabilities of our chimpanzee cousins. The actions of our vocal Central Pattern Generator circuits therefore underpin how we articulate our thoughts, allocate meaning, and use a communication tool that allows us to think about what it is that makes us human. But can we think without language?
Heated eyes give swordfish deep-sea ‘night vision’
Some 300m below the ocean surface it is always twilight, and cold… The water is barely above zero. Fast-moving squid…
Can humans interbreed with other species?
No, don’t be ridiculous What a disgusting suggestion! Uck!! A criminal conviction for bestiality will earn you a thumping prison-sentence…
Although this is intended as a light-hearted guide to areas of science that might interest you, it serves to illustrate the inter-disciplinary nature of science.
