The Biologic Podcast

The animal endocrine system is a complex decentralized chemical communication network that coordinates growth and homeostasis across the whole organism. Hormones are a critical component of this system, and we'll explore the many forms they can take. And while we're on the topic of glands, we'll also cover the basics of the exocrine system.

Today we'll examine the chemistry, anatomy, and physiology of the animal nervous system, from action potentials to neural circuits to animal behavior.

In this episode, we'll explore the complex dynamics of the defensive system that protects animals from the countless microbes and pathogens they encounter every day: the immune system!

In this episode, we'll explore both the chemistry and physiology of animal respiration. This will also involve a brief exploration of the cardiovascular system, which is integral to the function of the respiratory system.

The subtle but foundational relationship between form and function can be seen at all levels of biological organization, from cells to tissues to organs to limbs and body plans.

The ability to move, freely & autonomously, is one of the defining characteristics of all but the most basal animals, distinguishing them from the stationary plants, and the creeping fungi. 

Animals are some of the most complex and dynamic organisms on Earth, and their mechanisms for reproduction are just as varied and complex.

An animal uses its senses to perceive and engage with the world around it, which is critical when you can move around an environment, searching for prey, and escaping predators.

All animals must eat food to survive, but how an animal eats, how often , and what it eats, play a fundamental role in the animal's evolution.

Water is critical for life. So how does the animal body use its water? How does it maintain a healthy osmotic balance, to sustain life?

Compared to plants and fungi, the animals have the most complex bodies, with the most complex body systems. Today, we'll explore the process of development that creates this complex animal body.

Today we'll be exploring the diverse and exciting ways in which Humans have used the many fungal species that share our planet.

The basidiomycota are one of the most advanced and diverse groups of fungi, including all the puffballs, conks, and traditional mushrooms.

The ascomycota are one of two major divisions with the 'higher fungi'. Along with the basidiomycota, they have come to dominate the fungal kingdom, and have spread across all Earthly habitats.

Hidden in the soil, the glomeromycota fungi seek out and fuse with the roots of plants, to engage in a symbiosis that sustains the worlds forests.

The mysterious origin of the fungal lineage generated a diversity of fungal protozoa, which would give rise to the earliest true fungi.

The story of fungal evolution is shrouded in mystery, but what little evidence there is, suggests an incredibly long history that fundamentally influences all life on Earth.

The fungal organism engages with its community and environment in countless ways; without the fungi, much of life on Earth would not be possible.

Among all the branches on the tree of life, the fungi have perhaps the most complex, diverse, and exotic means of reproducing, both sexually and asexually.

Fungi sense the world with a variety of cellular and chemical structures, giving them a unique perspective of reality.

The fungal lifestyle is built upon the diverse array of chemicals they can produce to engage in symbioses with other organisms, to break down detritus food, to parasitize other organisms, and to defend themselves from various threats.

Fungi do not have mouths to eat their food, nor do they have roots like plants. There's the mystery: how exactly do fungi acquire the nutrients they need to stay alive?

Welcome to the world of fungi! We will begin our exploration of this exotic branch on the tree of life, with fungal development & physiology.  

Plants are fundamental to human existence. Without them, we would not, and could not, exist. This episode will explore the deep relationship between humans & the vegetable world.  

The angiosperms are all those plants equipped with the most revolutionary development in floral reproductive capacity; the flower. The angiosperms and their colorful flowers have radically influenced Earths ecosystems for tens of millions of years.