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Episode 4

The umwelt – or unique sensory world – of a spider is defined by its web. It controls and senses its prey via the vibrations of silken threads.

The Earth teems with sights and textures, sounds and vibrations, smells and tastes, electric and magnetic fields. But every animal is enclosed within its own unique sensory bubble, perceiving but a tiny sliver of an immense world.

This book welcomes us into previously unfathomable dimensions - the world as it is truly perceived by other animals.

Author of "I Contain Multitudes" and acclaimed science journalist Ed Yong coaxes us beyond the confines of our own senses, allowing us to perceive the skeins of scent, waves of vibrations, and pulses of pressure that surround us. Because in order to understand our world we don't need to travel to other place, we need to see through other eyes.

He also examines the β€˜unwanted sense’ pain and how different animals experience harmful stimuli. Throughout, he draws on new research and field experiments conducted by scientists across the globe.

Written by Ed Yong
Read by Daniel Weyman
Abridged and Produced by Jill Waters
A Waters Company production for ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4

14 minutes

Last on

Fri 1 Jul 2022 00:30

Broadcasts

  • Thu 30 Jun 2022 09:45
  • Fri 1 Jul 2022 00:30