The Amazing Coevolution of Monarch Butterflies and Milkweed Plants with Dr. Anurag Agrawal
In this conversation, Host Dr. Riley Kirk and Dr. Anurag Agrawal discuss the intricate relationship between monarch butterflies and milkweed, exploring themes of coevolution, chemical ecology, and the ecological arms race. He explains how monarchs have adapted to survive the toxic compounds in milkweed, the challenges they face due to habitat destruction and pesticides, and the importance of conservation efforts. The discussion highlights the fascinating dynamics of species interactions and the need for community involvement in preserving biodiversity.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Monarchs and Milkweed
06:32 The Co-evolutionary Dance
11:32 Monarchs vs. Milkweed: The Arms Race
20:14 The Role of Cardiac Glycosides
30:01 Sequestration and Survival Strategies
31:37 The Journey of Monarch Butterflies
37:30 Understanding Monarch Population Decline
46:49 Human Impact on Monarchs and Conservation Efforts
54:01 Exploring Other Fascinating Insects
Follow Dr. Agrawal’s research:
https://ecologyandevolution.cornell.edu/anurag-agrawal
https://agrawal.eeb.cornell.edu/
Read or listen to Monarchs and Milkweed
https://www.amazon.com/Monarchs-Milkweed-Migrating-Remarkable-Coevolution/dp/0691166358
Preorder my book Reefer Wellness!
https://www.amazon.com/Reefer-Wellness-Understanding-Cannabis-Medicine/dp/0593847156
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https://www.appliedpharmacognosy.org/
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