Bug Note Episode 10: Mutualisms

If you’ve ever loudly sung along to “Circle of Life” while watching the Lion King, you’re probably aware of how interconnected organisms of the natural world are. But those connections run deeper than death making way for new life. In this episode of Bug Note, host Daniel Potter chats with Rob Dunn, Ph.D., an expert on symbiotic relationships between species. Together, they shed some light on the concept of mutualisms, relationships that benefit both parties, and how those relationships can change over time. Listen to the podcast here or scroll down to watch the video version.

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Dunn studies humans the way someone else might study a rainforest. He’s seeking to understand how humans interact with other species — from pollinators that provide us with food to the tiny organisms that live symbiotically on and within our bodies. These mutually beneficial relationships are called mutualisms, and they’re as complex as they are important. 

Take squash plants for example. When squash is growing, its best pollinator is a chubby little bee called a squash bee. This bee moves from plant to plant, spreading pollen (and occasionally falling asleep in the flowers). The squash relies on the bee for pollination, and the bee relies on the squash plant flowers for food. Their relationship is mutually beneficial. But these relationships get a bit more complex when you realize that we have a mutually beneficial relationship with squash, because we eat the squash, and it benefits from human care. That means we’re also indirectly in a relationship with the squash bee.  

In the end, every species relies on something or someone else — resulting in a complex web tying us all together. It’s a great reminder that nothing survives on its own, so caring for the natural world benefits us as much as other species. When a plant, animal, or insect is at risk, its mutualisms are too. 

Part of Dunn’s work is to research how these relationships form and evolve, including how they’re impacted by our ever-changing world. You can learn more about Dunn’s work by reading one of his books, like The Call of the Honeyguide. 

Bug Note on YouTube 

Check out the extended version of the conversation on YouTube. Be sure to like and subscribe to receive notice of upcoming episodes. 

About Bug Note

Bug Note is hosted by Daniel Potter, a science writer who's also worked in the world of public radio for many years, and who loves fresh air and storytime. He's joined by Dr. Jason Cryan, NHMU’s Sarah B. George Executive Director and trained entomologist, and Christy Bills, NHMU's Invertebrate Collections Manager, as well as other bug-loving guests. Video production by Blank Space. The podcast is created in collaboration with the Natural History Museum of Utah, with the expertise and support of its scientific, philanthropic, marketing, and education teams. Special thanks to NHMU friend and insect enthusiast Ted Fridirici.

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Episode 10 at a Glance