Insect Behavior and Ecology

The SciShow Talk Show visits the Missoula Insectarium, where host Hank Green talks with Olivia Gordon, the live collections manager. Olivia shares her journey from aspiring entomologist to her current role, discussing the responsibilities and challenges of managing live insect collections. The show explores fascinating topics like insect mimicry, interactions with ants, and the characteristics of millipedes, centipedes, spiders, and beetles. The episode concludes with an invitation to visit the Insectarium.

What is the primary focus of the Missoula Insectarium?

• Arthropod education

• Marine life education

• Plant conservation

• Bird watching

What was Olivia Gordon's initial career interest as a child?

• Botanist

• Accountant

• Entomologist

• Zoologist

What challenge did Olivia face with the giant bird-eating tarantula?

• It was too aggressive

• It refused to eat

• Its exoskeleton cracked

• It escaped from its enclosure

What unique feature do some insect eggs have to avoid predation?

• They are brightly colored

• They emit a foul odor

• They mimic seeds

• They are buried underground

What is myrmecochory?

• Seed dispersal by water

• Seed dispersal by wind

• Seed dispersal by birds

• Seed dispersal by ants

What do giant African millipedes primarily do when threatened?

• Curl up to protect themselves

• Run away quickly

• Excrete cyanide

• Bite aggressively

What is the primary diet of giant African millipedes?

• Small mammals

• Fruits

• Insects

• Leaf litter

What is the defense mechanism of blue death feigning beetles?

• They emit a loud noise

• They release a toxic spray

• They play dead

• They change color

What is the main difference between millipedes and centipedes?

• Centipedes are slower

• Millipedes have two pairs of legs per segment

• Centipedes are herbivores

• Millipedes have one pair of legs per segment

What is the primary role of centipedes in their ecosystem?

• Seed dispersers

• Pollinators

• Decomposers

• Predators