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Science

TIL: caffeine is example of convergent evolution

Watched Why Does Caffeine Exist? from YouTube

Thank you to Wondrium for Supporting PBS. For more information and a trial please go to http://ow.ly/6nrt30smywMCheck out PBS Terra! https://www.youtube.com/…

  • Caffeine is a natural insect deterrent
  • Convergent evolution on different continents by plants that aren’t closely related – never thought about implications of tea and coffee originating on different continents before 😉
  • Caffeine similar in shape to adenosine, which makes us feel sleepy
  • Bees that consume caffeinated nectar have better memory

By Tracy Durnell

Writer and designer in the Seattle area. Freelance sustainability consultant. Reach me at tracy.durnell@gmail.com. She/her.

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