From the shadow play of Plato's allegories and the trials of Beowulf to paintings adorning the walls of caverns in Lascaux, France, mankind has long been fascinated (if also a little unnerved) by the idea of caves.

These subterranean landscapes may seem as lifeless as they are lightless, but in reality, they represent unique biomes — ones inhabited by a far larger and more diverse collection of species than you might think.

In this special Cave Week special episode of the show, we descend (literally) into the depths of a North Georgia cave to talk about life underground, from the animals that live there and the scientists who study them to what the worlds beneath our feet can tell us about life on the surface.

Read about how our scientist helped to discover a blind, nearly translucent cave fish where no one thought it should be: https://newschannel9.com/sports/outdoors/biologist-finds-blind-fish-underfoot-in-unexpected-place

Episode cast

• Casey Phillips, host, senior communications specialist, lifelong surface dweller
• Dr. Bernie Kuhajda, aquatic conservation biologist (Tennessee Aquarium)
• Dr. Kirk Zigler, professor biology (Sewanee: The University of the South)

The Podcast Aquatic is made possible by support from The Tennessee Conservationist, the official magazine of Tennessee State Parks.

Printed sustainably on 100% post-consumer recycled paper with UV ink, each issue is filled with fascinating stories about Tennessee’s native species, rich history, and unique culture. It’s also your guide to exploring state parks and planning your next outdoor adventure.

Become a Tennessee Conservationist and subscribe at tnconservationist.org.

Join other conservation enthusiasts and follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.