Two Whats?! And A Wow! - Who Wants To Be A Million-Bear? (1/3/25)

Trivia Game

The episode features a lively trivia game where Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz challenge listeners with intriguing bear facts. Participants must discern the true "wow" from fictional statements, such as whether brown bears are chipmunk-sized at birth or if pandas have a unique way of processing bamboo 1. The interactive format encourages audience engagement, with correct answers earning points and incorrect guesses leading to humorous physical challenges 2.

Adult brown bears weigh hundreds of pounds, but they only weigh about £1 when they're born. Baby brown bears are also blind, toothless, and mostly hairless.

--- Mindy Thomas

This playful approach not only entertains but also educates listeners about the fascinating world of bears.

   

Polar Bear Adaptations

The podcast also delves into the unique adaptations of polar bears, highlighting their extraordinary survival mechanisms in the Arctic. Unlike many mammals, polar bears lack eyelashes but possess three sets of eyelids to shield against snow and UV light, with a clear inner lid for underwater vision 3. This adaptation underscores the polar bear's remarkable evolutionary traits that enable it to thrive in harsh environments.

Their extra eyelids protect them against snow, UV light, and they even have a clear inner lid that lets them see underwater.

--- Guy Raz

Such insights into polar bear biology offer listeners a deeper appreciation for these majestic creatures.