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YouTube

The Dance of the Dung Beetle

TED-Ed via YouTube

Overview

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Explore the fascinating world of dung beetles in this 17-minute TED-Ed talk by Marcus Byrne. Discover how these tiny insects, with brains the size of rice grains, exhibit remarkable intelligence in transporting their food source - animal excrement. Learn about their unique "dance" and how they navigate using polarized light from the sky. Delve into their competition strategies, backward walking techniques, and adaptations to hot environments. Gain insights into their body temperature regulation and specialized "cool boots." Uncover the intricate behaviors and survival mechanisms of these resourceful creatures, showcasing nature's ingenuity in unexpected places.

Syllabus

Intro
Where do we start
How do they deal with the material
Competition
Walking backwards
The dance
What are they doing
Looking at the sky
Polarized light
Polarised light test
Rolling balls
Hot days
Body temperature
Hot environment
Cool boots
The dancing dung beetle
Pass integration
Conclusion

Taught by

TED-Ed

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