Terrestrials 12. The Bullseye: Treasure Hunt to Recursive Islands
Radiolab for Kids
Deep Dive
What makes recursive islands ecologically significant?
Recursive islands are hotspots for evolution, fostering unique species found nowhere else on Earth. Their isolation allows plants and animals to evolve distinct traits, making them biodiversity treasures.
Who discovered the fascination with recursive islands and what sparked their interest?
Josh Calder became fascinated with recursive islands while working in a library map room. He noticed an island within a lake on an island on a map, sparking his obsession with these geographical formations.
What is the largest known triple recursive island and where is it located?
The largest known triple recursive island is located on Baffin Island in the North Atlantic Ocean. It spans over five soccer fields and was discovered by Josh Calder after years of map scouring.
How do islands contribute to global biodiversity?
Islands, which make up less than 7% of Earth's land, host 20% of the world's species and 50% of all endangered species. Their isolation leads to unique evolutionary adaptations, creating rare and specialized life forms.
What happened to the recursive island inside a volcano?
The recursive island inside a volcano disappeared after an eruption in 2020 boiled the surrounding water into steam. However, the island reappeared when rain refilled the volcano's crater, making it a resurrected triple recursive island.
What are some unique species found on recursive islands?
Recursive islands are home to unique species like a 12-foot-tall bird from New Zealand, a 26-pound rabbit from the Balearic Islands, and the world's only freshwater sardine found in a volcanic lake.
- Recursive islands are islands within lakes on islands.
- Josh Calder's obsession with these islands led him on a journey of discovery.
- These islands have cultural significance to various indigenous communities.
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