There have been many scientific discoveries based on characters, stars and concepts from the long-running sci-fi franchise Star Trek named. For example, some insects and sea creatures bear the names of Spock, Odo, Dax, Worf and Co.
In the rainforests of Madagascar were now seven new species of frogs discovered, who were given a special honor thanks to the researchers: They are named after the seven central Trek captains James T. Kirk (William Shatner), Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart), Ben Sisko (Avery Brooks), Kathryn Janeway (Kate Mulgrew), Jonathan Archer (Scott Bakula), Michael Burnham (Sonequa Martin-Green) and Christopher Pike (most recently Anson Mount).
Fascinating: That’s why 7 newly discovered frog species were named after Star Trek captains
Specifically, it’s about seven frogs of the genus Boophis, which communicate with each other using extremely unusual whistles to ask for mating. The researchers from the Technical University of Braunschweig compare this bird-like trill in their study (via Spiegel) with the Sounds of the tricorder from Star Trek. As soon as these are activated to scan something, the iconic sci-fi sound sounds.
At the same time, the toad whistle is compared to the sound of the so-called boatswain’s mate’s whistle. This is used to ask for the crew’s attention when, for example, a captain enters the bridge.
These are the 7 species of frogs that are named like Star Trek captains
Specifically, the seven new species of frogs from Madagascar are now called as follows scientific name:
In the scientific article on finding frogs, the researchers explain theirs Motivation of the naming as follows:
With that, we primarily want the one in numerous Star Trek episodes […] prevailing focus on inspiring – if not always accurately presented – Science and nature conservation as well as the spirit of discovery and honor the exploration it promotes. It also seems fitting that finding these frogs sometimes requires considerable migration; following strange new calls to locate new frogs in new forests; boldly go where no herpetologist has gone before.
Nerds with a sense of humor won’t just be found in the space of the future.