63. The Gray Areas of Life: Misconceptions and Discoveries

Tom unpacks the complex definitions of life and challenges common misconceptions about living organisms, from mules and parasites to viruses. Listeners gain insights into the key characteristics that define life while exploring philosophical questions surrounding it.

This is Chapter 2 of my textbook, Biology for Health Sciences, a college freshman course for students entering nursing, nutrition, exercise science, environmental science, or other careers in the health field. Topics include; what is life, the hierarchy of life, emergent properties, ecology, and evolution

A look back on my life in science, birds, fish, invasive species, streams, dams, and climate change and sleeping lizards.  

Where is every one? Why haven't we been visited by alien races, made contact with aliens, or even discovered a hint of an alien race? Ever since Fermi asked this simple question, people have been coming up with answers as to why we don't see aliens. Some solutions are scary, but I think a potential answer could be found by looking at our own solar system. 

I believe humans are special and improve our chances of surviving as a species, I explain why we should colonize the solar system and beyond. 

I explore how the Silurian Hypothesis provides insight into what it takes for a planet to host or evolve a civilization, how we might detect them, and the legacy of humans on Earth.  

After 6 months, I'm back! I talk about how some of my views have changed to become more nuanced and how my own biases shape the way I think about astrobiology. 

In researching astrobiology for my up coming book, I've started to view the evolution of life and civilizations in a paradigm shifting way that challenges the very basics of our understanding of evolution. Listen in as I explain why I think evolution is progressive. 

What makes animals different from all other organisms? I discuss the evolutionary origins and unique features of animals along with a few other fun facts. And find out why I don't think sponges are animals.

The more I learn about plants, the more I'm amazed. From insects to fungus and bacteria, plants form many relationships. Some plants even talk to each other through the air or underground, while others form three-way relationships with ants and fungus.