Mary’s Monday Metazoan: The pressure to perform


My wife sent me this photo, and was intrigued. The water boatman sings through its penis, and sings very loudly — 105 decibels from an animal that’s only a few millimeters long (no word on the length of its penis). I have received subtle signals that I am…inadequate. Does anyone have any suggestions? Should I get an implant of one of those mini-iPods? Or perhaps even an iPod Touch?

(via National Geographic)

(Also on Sb)

Comments

  1. AusieMike says

    …further I don’t think anyone EVER wants to walk onto your lab PZ to hear you whistling a tune only to see you lips not moving…..and just a cheeky smile!

  2. says

    Cool! I wonder if it’s related to the waterbugs that swam in my family’s pool as a kid – I was always fascinated by those things (and my dad could never get rid of them entirely!).

    It looks like, from the picture, that they might swim with the same motion. Too bad I don’t remember what my waterbug was…wasn’t particularly research minded at 8 years old. :)

  3. Pierce R. Butler says

    Just don’t get an iPod Nano.

    Meanwhile, I’d like to hear just how such a feature evolved – either the tentative evo-devo version or the anthropomorphized just-so story would gratify…

  4. says

    “…..I have received subtle signals that I am…inadequate…..”

    I suggest getting the Mrs. her own iPnone/iPod with an OhMiBod attachment. No need for the OMB iPhone APP download – high-bass Gregorian Chants will do nicely.
    Are not all males superfluous anyway?

    Innit?

  5. RahXephon, un féminist nucléaire says

    NatGeo will allow, even promote, singing penises, but we can’t say fuck over there? Hypocrites!

  6. Michael S says

    The future is digital streaming!
    Install something that you can connect to a computer for more versatile playlists. (Preferably a wireless connection)

  7. Loqi says

    Don’t do it! I got an 8-track implant back in the day and all it’s done is keep people out of my bedroom.

  8. theskepticalape says

    If you’re going to get anything implanted in there for the benefit of your wife, make sure it has a vibrate function. You can thank me later! XD

    No Gods, No Masters
    Cameron