TED Talk Tuesday #95 – The fascinating secret lives of giant clams

Watching TED Talks is a popular pastime at CN&CO. We visit TED.com regularly to clear our heads, have a laugh, or get inspired. TED Talks open our minds, spark new ways of thinking, and can lead to some very interesting conversations. Each week we pick a favourite and publish it on a Tuesday, because we like how “TED Talk Tuesday” sounds. This week’s talk was posted by CN&CO’s Lethabo-Thabo Royds. Here’s why she chose it:

I love animals and I am fascinated by marine animals, in particular. I love beach holidays because I love seeing, hearing, experiencing, and being near the ocean. It’s my happy place. When I was younger, among other things, I wanted to become a marine biologist so that I could help take care of marine life and preserve its environment. While my science marks prevented me from doing this as Dr Royds, I still have a deep love for the ocean. When I was younger I believed that I could pursue all of my dreams simultaneously and get multiple, differing degrees all at the same time. I have since learnt that, sometimes, things take time and you may have to do them one after the other (instead of all together).

And so, this deep respect and love for the ocean and marine life led me to this insightful TED Talk by marine biologist Dr Mei Lin Neo about giant clams which play a key role in the ecosystem of coral reefs. “Just having them around keeps the reef healthy,” she says.

She also says: “With the spotlight on more charismatic marine animals such as whales and coral reefs, it’s easy to forget that other marine life needs our help, too.”

Neo is knowledgeable, passionate, and endearing in this talk about giant clams. Watch this talk and help save our oceans and the lives it sustains.