Ep. 548 - Gall Wasps & Their Host Plants

<p data-rte-preserve-empty="true" style="white-space:pre-wrap;">Galls are among the most remarkable biological structures on our planet. The organisms that produce them are also extreme diverse and contribute a bewildering amount of biomass to their habitats. Some of the most fascinating gall makers are the gall wasps. This group of organisms is still woefully understudied but people like Dr. Louis Nastasi are trying to change that. Join us as we take a deep dive on gall wasps that specialize on herbaceous plants like the rosinweeds (Silphium spp.) and learn what these amazing little insects can teach us about biodiversity and evolution. This episode was produced in part by April, Dana, Lilith, Sanza, Eva, Yellowroot, Wisewren, Nadia, Heidi, Blake, Josh, Laure, R.J., Carly, Lucia, Dana, Sarah, Lauren, Strych Mind, Linda, Sylvan, Austin, Sarah, Ethan, Elle, Steve, Cassie, Chuck, Aaron, Gillian, Abi, Rich, Shad, Maddie, Owen, Linda, Alana, Sigma, Max, Richard, Maia, Rens, David, Robert,...