NOVA Season 51 Episode 6 Secrets in the Scat
- February 9, 2022
The NOVA episode titled "Secrets in the Scat" explores the use of animal feces, or scat, in scientific research. The episode dives into the world of scatology and showcases how experts analyze the feces of a variety of animals, including whales, komodo dragons, and elephants, to uncover new insights into their behaviors and populations.
Throughout the episode, viewers follow scientists as they embark on various expeditions in search of scat. One expedition focuses on collecting whale scat, which involves following migrating whales and collecting their excrement to study the whales' diet and health. Other expeditions include tracking wild elephants and analyzing the scat of captive komodo dragons to determine their dietary needs and habits.
The episode delves into the intricate process of analyzing scat, which involves identifying the animal species, deciphering their diets, and even extracting DNA to determine the population genetics of certain animals. Scientists also use scat to study the microbes that live within an animal's gut, which can reveal important insights into the animal's overall health.
"Secrets in the Scat" showcases how scatology is an important tool for conservation efforts, as researchers use scat to track populations, monitor diseases, and even identify poachers. By analyzing the scat of endangered animals such as tigers and rhinos, scientists can better understand their populations and work towards protecting them from extinction.
The episode also touches on the challenges and limitations of scatology, such as the difficulty of collecting scat samples in certain environments, or the fact that certain animals produce less scat than others. Despite these challenges, the use of scat in scientific research continues to be an important tool for uncovering new insights into the animal kingdom.
Overall, "Secrets in the Scat" is a fascinating look into the world of scatology and its applications in scientific research. Viewers will come away with a newfound appreciation for the value of animal feces and the important role it plays in understanding the natural world.
