The Monkeyflower Mystery

10/04/24 • 23 min

Why do plants grow in different places? How do they adapt to different environments? And what makes them different species? Those are the questions that drove biologist David Lowry to begin a 20 year study of a shape-shifting plant called the yellow monkeyflower. It begins with a road trip, and ends up questioning everything you think you know about the definition of species. Get ready for a wild, plant-fueled ride into science!

Hear more from our interview with David, on the special bonus interview episode that’s available to Patreon members who pledge at the $1 level or higher at patreon.com/tumblepodcast.

Check out photos and video of the yellow monkeyflower on our blog at sciencepodcastforkids.com!

This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under grant 2153100: IMAGiNE: The genetic, developmental, and physiological mechanisms of plant local adaptation to oceanic salt spray.

Hear more from our interview with David, on the special bonus interview episode that’s available to Patreon members who pledge at the $1 level or higher at patreon.com/tumblepodcast.

Check out photos and video of the yellow monkeyflower on our blog at sciencepodcastforkids.com!

Previous Episode

How Were Dinosaur Tracks Made?

Ever wondered how dinosaurs left their footprints behind millions of years ago? We embark on a prehistoric adventure with renowned paleontologist Paul Olsen! Discover the secrets behind dinosaur tracks and how these ancient prints can tell us incredible stories about the lives of dinosaurs. From the science of fossilization to what these footprints reveal about dinosaur behavior and habitats, Paul Olsen will guide us through the fascinating world of these mysteries left in stone - and share how he discovered thousands of dino tracks when he was just a kid.

Join us on a Dino Map Adventure at nepm.org/dinomap! We’ve created a free audio tour to explore the science and history of dinosaur tracks in the Pioneer Valley of Massachusetts. Lindsay and Marshall will guide you through the place where dinosaur footprints were first discovered - and put you on the path to becoming dino track explorers! Dinosaur Adventures in the Pioneer Valley are supported by The Bement School, The Center School, and HCS Headstart.

If you like this episode, consider supporting Tumble on Patreon by going to patreon.com/tumblepodcast. Get ad-free episodes for just $1 a month!

Next Episode

The Secret of the Monkeyflower

How do species evolve? Find out in the shocking conclusion of our Monkeyflower mystery series! Plant biologist David Lowry has been tracking down clues to solve the question of why plants look different - and the yellow monkeyflower is more than a suspect. Now, it’s time to take his detective skills up a notch, and use the science of DNA. A twisted discovery will flip the case - and lead to a new chapter in understanding how life evolves.

Hear more from our interview with David, on the special bonus interview episode that’s available to Patreon members who pledge at the $1 level or higher at patreon.com/tumblepodcast.

Check out David’s monkeyflower mystery comic book on our blog at sciencepodcastforkids.com!