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  • Monarchs and Milkweed

  • A Migrating Butterfly, a Poisonous Plant, and Their Remarkable Story of Coevolution
  • By: Anurag Agrawal
  • Narrated by: Stephen R. Thorne
  • Length: 8 hrs
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (24 ratings)

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Monarchs and Milkweed

By: Anurag Agrawal
Narrated by: Stephen R. Thorne
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Publisher's summary

Monarch butterflies are one of nature's most recognizable creatures, known for their bright colors and epic annual migration from the United States and Canada to Mexico. Yet there is much more to the monarch than its distinctive presence and mythic journeying.

In Monarchs and Milkweed, Anurag Agrawal presents a vivid investigation into how the monarch butterfly has evolved closely alongside the milkweed - a toxic plant named for the sticky white substance emitted when its leaves are damaged - and how this inextricable and intimate relationship has been like an arms race over the millennia, a battle of exploitation and defense between two fascinating species.

The monarch life cycle begins each spring when it deposits eggs on milkweed leaves. But this dependency of monarchs on milkweeds as food is not reciprocated, and milkweeds do all they can to poison or thwart the young monarchs. Agrawal delves into major scientific discoveries, including his own pioneering research, and traces how plant poisons have not only shaped monarch-milkweed interactions but have also been culturally important for centuries.

Agrawal presents current ideas regarding the recent decline in monarch populations, including habitat destruction, increased winter storms, and lack of milkweed - the last one a theory that the author rejects.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2017 Princeton University Press (P)2020 Tantor
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What listeners say about Monarchs and Milkweed

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Great book, great read

Monarchs are an indicator species. This book explores the relationship between milkweed varieties and this remarkable insect. A scholarly work that is an enjoyable read. A 10 out of 10.

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Excellent information

If you are into monarchs, get the book. It’s interesting and the author’s theories might surprise you.

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Amazing stories and science to back it!!

I highly recommend!! Whether scientist, enthusiast or just want to learn more, you will enjoy this read!

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Lots of great info!

I took in a lot of great info from this audiobook. The reader mispronounces “trichomes” throughout the book, which was quite irritating. Otherwise is a pleasant and informative listen.

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Brilliant!!!

I so enjoyed this interesting and informative book! It was so well done. I listened to it but I would. Love to have a hard copy to follow along with and listen again. Bravo!

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