Why can’t birds taste spicy things, but squirrels can?

It’s not just humans who eat spicy foods – other animals do, too! But can all animals

 spicy things the way we do? We asked wildlife ecologist Thaddeus McRae to help us find the answer.

It’s not just humans who eat spicy foods – other animals do, too! But can all animals taste spicy things the way we do? We asked wildlife ecologist Thaddeus McRae to help us find the answer.

Got a question on the tip of your tongue? Send it to us at BrainsOn.org/contact, and we’ll find a spicy answer for you. 

It’s not just humans who eat spicy foods – other animals do, too! But can all animals taste spicy things the way we do? We asked wildlife ecologist Thaddeus McRae to help us find the answer.
Got a question on the tip of your tongue? Send it to us at BrainsOn.org/contact, and we’ll find a spicy answer for you. 

Why do birds not taste spicy things and squirrels do?

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Smash Boom Best is a debate show for kids and families from the makers of the award-winning podcast, Brains On! Every episode takes two cool things, smashes them together and lets you decide which is best.


Smash Boom Best

A history show for the whole family! Every episode explores the origin of just one thing — like sandwiches, video games, clocks and more — while teaching listeners to think critically about history.


Forever Ago

Our mission is to encourage kids’ and curious adults’ natural curiosity and wonder using science and history…but there’s no age limit on curiosity, and episodes of Brains On can be enjoyed by anyone.


Why can’t birds taste spicy things, but squirrels can?

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