NPR News Nuggets: Happy Feet, Squirrel Attack & A Lasting Smell
Here's a quick roundup of some of the mini-moments you may have missed on this week's Morning Edition.
Animals
Who Invented Agriculture First? It Sure Wasn't Humans
Ants in Fiji farm plants and fertilize them with their poop. And they've been doing this for 3 million years, much longer than humans, who began experimenting with farming about 12,000 years ago.
Ivory Ban Hurts Alaska Natives Who Legally Carve Walrus Tusks
Strict bans on ivory trade are aimed at preventing elephant poaching. But the measures are causing unintended consequences for Alaska Natives who hunt walruses and carve their tusks for a living.
How To Teach A Sea Lion Who's Fussy About Grammar
At the New England Aquarium, seals don't just cruise around the tank; they go to school each day. And their teacher has an individual lesson plan for each one of them.
After Disorder Threatens Honey Bees, Wild Bees Get More Pollinating Jobs
Beekeepers are still losing honey bees to colony collapse disorder, though the crisis isn't as bad as a few years ago. Scientists are looking at other kinds of bees to pollinate crops: wild ones.
British Member Of Parliament Insists On Keeping Pet Tarantula
Defying a pet ban, Gavin Williamson keeps the spider at his desk, where it apparently intimidates people. He says he won't consider removing it until somebody removes all the mice in the old building.
Gotham, The Humpback Whale: The Hudson River's New Resident
New York City is not known for whale watching. But there's a new resident in the Hudson River: Gotham, the Humpback Whale. NPR's Audie Cornish talks to Paul Sieswerda, president of Gotham Whale.
Heritage Turkeys Make A Comeback, But To Save Them We Must Eat Them
They're descended from birds brought by British settlers that mated with turkeys native to the U.S. These birds taste much more like the turkeys that were on the table in the 17th century.
Your Dog Remembers Every Move You Make
Our canine pals remember lots of facts, like where to find the food bowl. Now there's evidence they also have aspects of "episodic memory," which allow them to relive experiences and events.
Bronx Zoo Breaks World Record For Largest Display Of Origami Elephants
A world-record stampede of origami elephants has arrived at the Bronx Zoo, as part of a campaign to raise awareness about poaching.