They all do the same, but we still need them

Who needs redundancy? Well, everyone, it turns out.

LEARN MORE
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To learn more about this topic, start your googling with these keywords:
- Ecological redundancy (also: functional redundancy or functional equivalence): the ecological phenomena that multiple species representing a variety of taxonomic groups can share similar roles in ecosystem functionality
- Legume: a plant in the Fabaceae family
- Nitrogen fixation: the chemical process by which atmospheric nitrogen is assimilated into organic compounds

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CREDITS
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Kate Yoshida | Script Writer, Narrator and Director
Lizah van der Aart | Illustration, Video Editing and Animation
Aldo de Vos | Music

MinuteEarth is produced by Neptune Studios LLC

OUR STAFF
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Lizah van der Aart • Sarah Berman • Arcadi Garcia i Rius
David Goldenberg • Melissa Hayes • Alex Reich
Henry Reich • Peter Reich • Ever Salazar
Leonardo Souza • Kate Yoshida

OUR LINKS
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REFERENCES
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[SgtSupaman]

As someone that has managed servers on critical systems, the rule of redundancy is: two is one, one is none.

[Munchkin.Of.Pern]

I was *not* expecting the FMA reference in that opening.

[chillsahoy]

That reminds me of redundancy in DNA sequences, where in some cases multiple codons actually code for the same amino acid. This means that even if there is a mutation which affects one base pair, there is a lower chance that it results in a change in amino acid sequence and therefore protein function. Of course, a mutation can still impact the function of genes that are used for producing functional RNA or other purposes that are much more sequence-determined.

[Naidnapurugavihs]

Can we take a moment to appreciate how this team elucidates and highlights the most basic and fundamental principles in the most amazing ways.

[ryanwidjaja]

Our own kidneys also have redundancy. Just one working kidney is enough for us to stay alive. A good analogy to this video would be a patient with kidney failure who only goes to the hospital after *both* of their kidneys have failed (and not realizing that their kidneys have been failing for a quite long time).

[PowerhouseCell]

This was exceptionally well-made, not just in the animations but how it is taught. Viewers should realize how lucky they are :)

[alanhonlunli]

This video makes it sound like redundancy is a mechanism for ecological evolution, when it is actually consequence of ongoing competition for resources. I think it's important to not make it sounds like there's a planned path for evolution.

[Phoenix]

The Department Of Redundancy Department is a gem my sister thought up decades ago in our teens. So sweet to see this!!

[michelfug]

I felt you explained redundancy three times in the first 1:30. You went over the material multple times in the first 90 seconds, while repeating the important insights for over a minute!

[Aragorn]

We certainly notice the imbalance in some areas, like where I live in Southern Arizona. Snakes are mostly killed or moved out of neighborhoods, which is kinda understandable. BUT, that also means that the rats and mice have a LOT fewer predators and therefore are more populous. Same with rabbits and birds. Because their predators like hawks, owls, bobcats, coyotes, and mountain lions (cougars) don't like living around humans as much (and we don't like the bobcats, coyotes and cougars around because of dangers to ourselves and our pets), then there's PLENTY more of those too! Plus of course our gardens and such that provide a LOT more food than would normally be available.

[K]

That fullmetal alchemist and attack on titan reference

[daniels]

I noticed and appreciated the Rattata in the background. Good video. Thank you!

[opheliaclarke]

Noticed the title changed, assuming you’re probably using view data to see which title style is the most effective. So I’m that case the title I first saw and got me to click was the ‘department of redundancy department’ one however I wasn’t in a place to watch at the time so didn’t click until ‘nature has a backup plan’ preferred the first one as it seemed an odd topic for a nature channel which intrigued me while the second feels like it’s already explained in the title.

[benjif]

I feel like redundancy is far more important than most people think and is one of the main missing parts in complex human systems (ie transportation - - > traffic jams / supply chain problems)

[floppythresher]

IS THAT A LEVI ACKERMAN AT THE START!? (the details are so well made, nice work)

[soranuareane]

No joke, my dad's alias back-in-the-day was "Dexter Crashcup, Director of Incompetence for the Department of Redundancy Department at Integrated Oxymorons Unlimited".

[batuhand]

It's more like a rivalry between companies rather than a back up plan. Organisms fill different niches as they evolve and the more that position is desired - evolutionarily favorable - the more species exist within. It works as a back up plan for the ecosystem if something goes wrong but it's not the main drive force

[niklas]

Surprised you managed to avoid mentioning the greatest form of redundancy in the entirety of nature, possible the universe: DNA

[ericeric]

I think I saw Leah from Stardew Valley in there. Very appropriate.

[MrBleedforme]

Is that a full metal alchemist reference?!