About the wombat's square poop, apparently it's because "the grooved (intestinal) tissue and the irregular contractions over many cycles shape firm, flat-sided cube". In mammals, usually "the wavelike peristalsis of the intestinal muscles are consistent in all directions", but in wombats there are intestinal regions of varied thickness and stiffness (the softer regions squeeze slowly, and the stiff regions squeeze faster), which creates the difference in wombat feces (reference: Intestines of non-uniform stiffness mold the corners of wombat feces, by Patricia J. Yang et al.).
That's one hypothesis for the evolutionary reason (the other one is dehydration efficiency, reducing the risk of attracting parasites), but the mechanical reason is that their intestines have varying elasticity (stiffer sections squeeze the feces harder, whereas softer sections squeeze them slower), which creates the shape difference.
I mean, there’s this other cool educational channel called Bizarre Beasts that goes over the koalas’ cube poop in one of its videos so I’m just saying. :3
1hr and no comments yet? Let me start. Why are there still the same single cell organisms after billions of years? Why isn't there one multi celled organism that can go around and outclass every single celled organism?
I think its because evolution works based on specific environments. What works in one area for one single cell organism doesnt work in another environment. For multicellular organisms its the same until they become stable enough to not change so much. Some say that everything will eventually evolve into a crab shape since crabs are apex evolution but you should look into that.
They're also *not* all the same single-celled organisms. Yes, there have been bacteria and amoebas for millions of years, but today's bacteria are not the same exact bacteria. Many if not most of them are different species.
If you’re a cell whose entire ancestry has lived at the bottom of the ocean having all your nutrients served hot to you all day every day, low selection pressure for them to change their bodies or behavior. If it ain’t broke.
I will always be fascinated by slime molds because they're big, visible, mobile organisms that are also unicellular.
About the wombat's square poop, apparently it's because "the grooved (intestinal) tissue and the irregular contractions over many cycles shape firm, flat-sided cube". In mammals, usually "the wavelike peristalsis of the intestinal muscles are consistent in all directions", but in wombats there are intestinal regions of varied thickness and stiffness (the softer regions squeeze slowly, and the stiff regions squeeze faster), which creates the difference in wombat feces (reference: Intestines of non-uniform stiffness mold the corners of wombat feces, by Patricia J. Yang et al.).
To be fair I think I am indeed still a bunch of organs flopping around 😂😭
Wombat poop is cube to help stack and mark territory.
What better intimidation tactic than Tetris?
That's one hypothesis for the evolutionary reason (the other one is dehydration efficiency, reducing the risk of attracting parasites), but the mechanical reason is that their intestines have varying elasticity (stiffer sections squeeze the feces harder, whereas softer sections squeeze them slower), which creates the shape difference.
I mean, there’s this other cool educational channel called Bizarre Beasts that goes over the koalas’ cube poop in one of its videos so I’m just saying. :3
You are a genius I love the way you humorously educate and entertain us, keep up the great work.
Just discovered this host. He’s great. Very funny and dynamic
You're such a great presenter, doctor :) thanks for helping me learn this weird stuff
Same reason we have cities: it’s just more efficient for multiple, independent bodies to work together to get things done to ensure basic survival.
Dang, that's great! I've gotta use that to express the importance of collective action!
I kinda want to see Doctor Sammy's bumblebee mugs now
I demand an episode about wombat poop!
Looking the journey to the microcosmos microoscope at his side makes me so jelly, i couldn't buy one when they were available
Modern toilets no longer use those float balls. You can’t even buy replacements for them at the big box stores any more.
Sounds fun!
I noticed the Ghibli background in the intro! 😸
Isn't Physarum polycephalum a macroscopic organism that isn't a multicellular organism?
1hr and no comments yet? Let me start. Why are there still the same single cell organisms after billions of years? Why isn't there one multi celled organism that can go around and outclass every single celled organism?
I think its because evolution works based on specific environments. What works in one area for one single cell organism doesnt work in another environment. For multicellular organisms its the same until they become stable enough to not change so much. Some say that everything will eventually evolve into a crab shape since crabs are apex evolution but you should look into that.
They're also *not* all the same single-celled organisms. Yes, there have been bacteria and amoebas for millions of years, but today's bacteria are not the same exact bacteria. Many if not most of them are different species.
This question reminded me of the South Park episode Trapper Keeper, I recommend you watch it 🤣
Watching the video would help you find the answer 😂😂😂
If you’re a cell whose entire ancestry has lived at the bottom of the ocean having all your nutrients served hot to you all day every day, low selection pressure for them to change their bodies or behavior. If it ain’t broke.
Studying medicine by day, learning biology at night
Cool story bro.
what is with your obsession with Wombat poop. It is a healthy type of obsession though.
you can't just make that many jokes about wombat poop and NOT link to an answer xD
Pretty sure what he said towards the end is actually accurate - there's scientific research on the topic.
thats because we don't actually know for sure, how wombats poo cubes.
This educator's vibe is exceptional!
This host has been fantastic in this series. Get this man in showbusiness YESTERDAY!
Kachoo! 11:28
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