The interesting question is how they know: is the knowledge genetic, learnt or shared?
I once met somebody who believed that her horses could be trusted to self-medicate. But that couldn't have been shared cos they left the herd generations ago, how could they learn something they were only going to encounter once in their lives, and genetic assumes they were in the same ecosystem back then.
When you're ill food often tastes different.
Is this why pregnant women get strange cravings?
And, of course, you can always trust your kids to self-medicate in the sweet shop!
Insect Biohacking seems like the ostensibly modern term. Although, I suspect there's much more to it.
The orangutan story was so intriguing to read about. And if not for you, dear Subtle Sparks, I would not have known of such a stellar example of this equally intriguing topic.
I don't think the Monarch's choice of milkweed counts as medication unless you're saying there are less toxic forms? Plenty of insect larvae concentrate host plant toxins in their body and retain it into adulthood as protection, but that's evolution not medication.
Very true. The twist with the Monarchs is that they can use several species of milkweed as host plants. Parasitized moms seek out the more toxic species, whereas non-parasitized moms show no preference.
The interesting question is how they know: is the knowledge genetic, learnt or shared?
I once met somebody who believed that her horses could be trusted to self-medicate. But that couldn't have been shared cos they left the herd generations ago, how could they learn something they were only going to encounter once in their lives, and genetic assumes they were in the same ecosystem back then.
When you're ill food often tastes different.
Is this why pregnant women get strange cravings?
And, of course, you can always trust your kids to self-medicate in the sweet shop!
Insect Biohacking seems like the ostensibly modern term. Although, I suspect there's much more to it.
The orangutan story was so intriguing to read about. And if not for you, dear Subtle Sparks, I would not have known of such a stellar example of this equally intriguing topic.
Thanks! Love insect biohacking!
I don't think the Monarch's choice of milkweed counts as medication unless you're saying there are less toxic forms? Plenty of insect larvae concentrate host plant toxins in their body and retain it into adulthood as protection, but that's evolution not medication.
Very true. The twist with the Monarchs is that they can use several species of milkweed as host plants. Parasitized moms seek out the more toxic species, whereas non-parasitized moms show no preference.