Mastodawn

myrmepropagandist Aug 28, 2023

I still cannot get over the wonder and mystery of what gall wasps can do to plants. This is bio-engineering! The wasp lays her egg and somehow the plant makes a structure that is not a fruit, it is not a seed, it is not a leaf or stem. It's a wholly recombinant architecture customized to the needs of the growing young larva. The plant provides food and shelter-- It's like a cancer, but with a purpose.

How did it evolve? How is it done!?

(Photo by Timothy Boomer, https://wildmacro.com/)

Natural History Photography | Wild Macro

Insect, Spider, Wildflower, Mushroom & Natural History Fine Art Photography By Timothy Boomer.

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Probably Paul

@futurebird I think it was Harold Bloom who once said "all wonder is the effect of novelty upon ignorance." A depressing and small-minded way of thinking about the world, imo.

Given that Mr. Bloom said this in the context of contemplating omniscience or "infinite knowledge", it's ironic that the wonder we experience only increases with knowledge and greater understanding.

The ignorant person doesn't appreciate how amazing even some of the simplest things in nature really are. They don't give it much thought at all. Even a single cell is a fascinatingly intricate and endlessly interesting piece of biological machinery.

Embrace the wonder! 😍