Episode Details

What happens when animals spend thousands of years adapting to life in complete darkness?

This week on That's What I Call Science, Dr Olly Dove and Dr Hannah Moore are joined by Josh Greenhill, a recent Honours graduate from the University of Tasmania and a Young Tassie Scientist.

As part of our special Young Tassie Scientists mini-series, Josh takes us into the fascinating world of Tasmania's cave ecosystems and introduces us to one of the state's most unusual creatures: the Tasmanian mountain shrimp, or Anaspides. We explore how these ancient animals have adapted to life underground, what makes cave ecosystems so unique, and whether specialised cave species may be particularly vulnerable to climate change.

Along the way, Josh shares stories from his fieldwork adventures in Tasmania's caves and discusses his passion for understanding the weird and wonderful adaptations found throughout the natural world.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Thank you to the whole TWICS team for the incredible behind-the-scenes volunteering every week!

Host: Dr Olly Dove (Insta: ols_dove)

Co-Host: Dr Hannah Moore

Production: Dr Meredith Castles (@MeredithCastles)