027 – Cave biology with Thomas Iliffe

Author: deepseapod
Published: Fri 02 Sep 2022
Episode Link: https://deepseapod.podbean.com/e/027-cave-biology-with-thomas-iliffe/

With the Professor out at sea, Thom goes off the rails and finally gets his answers on cave biology. What are the similarities and differences between the deep-sea and cave ecosystems? How are they linked? Do we know more about the moon than cave biolo…. just kidding! We speak to the legendary Professor Thomas Iliffe, who has shaped the field of biospeleology (cave biology); discovering over 250 species, and 3 new orders (now you don’t hear that every day)! He talks us through the formation of these habitats, what dive surveys are really like, and how to discover the most fascinating of organisms. We also hear from Martin Pollizotto, a listener (and expert cave diver) on bioluminescence in cave systems (or a lack thereof).

We had a lot of deep-sea news this month! New species are being discovered, Alvin is back in the water breaking previous depth records, we have new tech AND some interstellar news!

We announce yet another exciting spin-off, The Deco-Stop, where we plan on chatting to guests about the more human side of science. We heard from listeners that they are fascinated by scientists as people and the stories they have to tell, so we’re excited to open up the space to talk about scientists as individuals, and the topics where science interacts with human issues.

Check out our podcast merch! Which now includes Alan’s beloved apron.

Feel free to get in touch with us with questions or you own tales from the high seas on:

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Glossary

Anchialine - Meaning “near the sea” in Greek, an anchialine pool is a landlocked body of water connected to the ocean via underground caves.

Blind cave fish - fish found living in deep caves with no eyes and usually no pigment.

Cenote - An underground cave system in Mexico.

Epigenetics - the study of how your behaviours and environment can affect the way your genes work.

Halocline - A vertical zone in the water column where the salinity changes rapidly from less saline to more saline (in caves this means the more dense salt water sits below the less dense fresher water).