Drunk Flies and Stoned Dolphins: A Trip Through the World of Animal Intoxication

by One R. Pagan

Overview

From the cup of coffee that jumpstarts the day to dangerously addictive drugs, the recreational use of plants with psychoactive properties has a long history among humans.

But, as with many things, it turns out that other animals got there first.

From parrots to primates, consuming medicinal chemicals is an instinctive behavior that helps countless organisms fight infection and treat disease. But the similarities don't end there: Like us, many creatures also consume substances that have no apparent benefit . . . except for inducing intoxication. In fact, animals have been using drugs for recreational purposes since prehistoric times. We may even have animals to thank for the idea—legend says that coffee was discovered by observing the behavior of goats that had eaten it.

In his previous book, Strange Survivors, author and biologist Oné R. Pagán introduced readers to some of the truly bizarre strategies animals use to survive in the cutthroat world of natural selection. Now, in Drunk Flies and Stoned Dolphins, he sheds light on the surprising cravings they indulge when it's time to unwind.

In this book, you'll get an eye-opening glimpse into the mind-altering behavior of the non-human members of the animal kingdom, spanning insects to elephants—including the dolphin species that apparently likes to pass around an intoxicating pufferfish as if they were sharing a joint.

Combining fascinating science with humor and enthusiasm, Pagán's latest is full of the kind of unforgettable stories and odd facts that you'll find yourself repeating to everyone you meet. From fruit fly happy hour to the evolutionary reasons behind nature's drugs, Drunk Flies and Stoned Dolphins takes you on a trip through the colorful world of animal intoxication—and along the way, explores what this science reveals about the surprising connections between all the world's creatures.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781950665372
Publisher:	BenBella Books, Inc.
Publication date:	11/16/2021
Pages:	320
Sales rank:	664,591
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.80(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

Dr. Oné R. Pagán is a husband and a father, as well as a biology professor, scientist, blogger, and author. He is in absolute awe of the natural world, especially the fact that it can be understood through science and mathematics. He spends quite a bit of his time explaining science to family, students, and essentially anyone within earshot. He also loves learning about nature firsthand through his scientific research. He has published original work in various scientific journals including the International Journal of Developmental Biology, Neuroscience Letters, Toxicon, Neurochemical Research, and Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior among others. He holds an undergraduate degree in Natural Sciences and a Master's degree in Biochemistry, both from the University of Puerto Rico, and a Doctorate in Pharmacology with an emphasis in neurobiology, from Cornell University.

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

“Oné Pagán is a brilliant biologist and a charming storyteller. Just like his other works, Drunk Flies and Stoned Dolphins will make you look at the world with awestruck eyes.”
—Matthew D. LaPlante, author of Superlative

“As remarkable as humans are, we're not distinct from animals. We are an intricate part of the animal kingdom. Our experience with drugs is not that dissimilar to those of other animals and sometimes the results are quite hilarious . . . If you're looking for a great science read, I highly recommend Drunk Flies and Stoned Dolphins.”
—Peter Cawdron, author of 3zekiel

“Drunk Flies and Stoned Dolphins was an absolute joy and pleasure to read. This book is the whole package, it has incredible science, unexpected concepts, fun facts, great personal stories, and awesome dad jokes that had me interested and laughing throughout the book (please don’t miss the footnotes) . . . If you are interested in how animals and other living creatures behave around drugs, this book is for you.”
—Sofía Villalpando, biologist, science communicator, entrepreneur, and blogger at The Biologist Apprentice

"With a down-to-earth conversational style and witty sense of humor, Dr. Oné Pagán brings the quirks of the animal kingdom to life with his writing. Drunk Flies and Stoned Dolphins showcases the fascinating world of psychoactive substances as experienced by organisms ranging from tiny microbes to humans."
—Marie McNeely, PhD, host of The People Behind the Science podcast

“With endless stories of animals—from fruit flies to elephants—reacting in such human-like ways to intoxicating substances, Pagán makes good on his promise to show that animals are not so different from us when it comes to the desire to alter our minds. Pagán presents what could be dense material (including plenty of chemistry) in easy to digest explainers and anecdotes, yet keeps the book tethered to the hard-nosed scientific literature in a way that will satisfy the most curious—and skeptical—of minds.”
—Justin Gregg, PhD, senior research associate with the Dolphin Communication Project and author of the book Are Dolphins Really Smart?

"Dr. Oné Pagán is one of those few brilliant modern science writers and educators who can capture the charm and curiosity of yesteryear, yet whose writing is imbued with the poise and sensitivity requisite of the 21st century, all crafted through the lens of purely masterful storytelling.” 
—Micah Hanks, writer, journalist, podcaster, and creator of The Debrief

"Pagán writes in a personable style and with a boyish enthusiasm for his subject."
—George Bass, New Scientist

"Pagán’s documentation is outstanding and his energetic description will leave the reader with a chuckle at some of the antics and indulgences of animals like the koala bear of Australia or the elephants on the plains of Africa. . . . It’s a delightful learning experience to explore its pages." 
—Just Good Books Journal

"Many science books are dry and uninviting. Drunk Flies and Stoned Dolphins is the opposite. It is informative, entertaining, and witty. Even if you hated science as a school subject, odds are you will love this book." 
—Mark Lardas, Ricochet