Art and Science - James O’Hanlon Looks For What Mother Nature Hides

Today on the show is James O’Hanlon, an author, artist and scientist whose career includes painting building-scale murals, several kids stories and now multiple fascinating and fun adult books. His latest book Liars, Cheats and Copycats; Trickery and Deception in Nature is one mind blowing story after another of how species above and under water are able to camouflage, hide, mimic and dazzle others, including humans. From the extraordinary ways by which cephalopods can change colour at the speed of their thought to the role of tone and photoreceptors that keep tigers out of sight to their prey, to the feather legged assassin bug that dupes and consumes insects on tree trunks. This book is a story of awe, wonder and the remarkable nature of nature that is always all around us.

In this episode we chat about those and many more incredible species, but also the mechanics and dynamics that enable camouflage - from the difference in species photoreceptors and the extent of their eye sight, the evolutionary history of species to be where we are now, spiders and why our cultural fear of a species that no-one has died from in Australia since the 1970s is so persistent, as well as his experience as artist and science communicator. All of us out there are interested in creating change and telling better stories, and James’ perspective on his own approach and the way by which his artistry meets the rigours and robustness of the scientific method is unique.

Support for today's show comes from Altiorem - use code FindingNature25 for 25% off an annual plan.

Support for today's show comes from Jamberoo Mountain Tiny Home - add Finding Nature to the comments in your booking to receive the hot tub sunset package added for free. 

Thanks to Leah Mazzone for website, brand and social media assets and Rob Rogers for theme song. 

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